Conrad von Hötzendorf

I have already written a detailed post about the Chief of Staff of the Monarchy’s forces here. There I have already presented three cap badges with Conrad’s name. I would like to supplement this series with new badges.

The inscription under the portrait in the opening image: “Hero, you who protect our home and work”. The heroic depiction and text were common in the era. The political and military leaders of the time hovered over the average people like gods, who could be trusted for that very reason. He was not “our dog’s puppy” either, who ate sausages and drank brandy with the common people.

Conrad was of course criticized by many during his time in office, especially by his military rivals. And posterity sometimes assessed his activities in a dishonest manner. I believe that the truth lies somewhere in the middle. He was not an outstandingly talented commander (especially not as a troop officer), and the task entrusted to him, the development of the Monarchy’s military strategy, he certainly solved within the limits of his own personality and knowledge. Many of his measures later proved to be wrong, but this was essentially the case with the military leaders of all warring countries. Conrad was not the only one who was removed from his leadership position due to lack of success.