Albrecht von Stosch


Albrecht von Stosch was a German general and admiral who served as first chief of the newly created Imperial German Navy from 1872 to 1883.

Life

Born in Koblenz, he was a cousin of Hans Stosch-Sarrasani, the founder of the Circus Sarrasani. He was the third son of Prussian general Hermann Ferdinand Stosch, who was a traditional military man who had a nationalistic feelings. Just like his father, Stosch was conscious of the tradition of duty and service, and Prussian military heritage was a strong political opinion of his.
After being educated in state schools and a gymnasium, in 1829 Stosch was admitted to the Cadet corps. In 1835 Stosch, aged seventeen, was appointed as second-lieutenant in the Prussian Army. He eventually became a General Staff officer.
Stosch participated in the Austro-Prussian War as Oberquartiermeister of the Second Army.
After the Franco-Prussian War, Stosch was also appointed as an admiral and first chief of the Admiralty and thus of the fledgling Imperial German Navy. He was acknowledged by William I for his loyal service to the country. Stosch considered himself as a reformer. He held the rank of General of the Infantry.
Stosch died in Rheingau. There is an island in Chile named after him, Isla Stosch.

Honours