Rupprecht (1869–1955)

Crown prince of Bavaria and general in the German army with a distinguished record in World War I. He went into exile upon Bavaria declaring itself a republic 1918.

European princes were often given high commands, but Prince Rupprecht was unusual in also having sound military ability. He joined the German army 1886 and worked his way up, becoming general 1904 and inspector-general of the Bavarian Corps 1913. He commanded the 6th Army, largely composed of Bavarian units, in Lorraine 1914 then fought on the Lys and in the first Battle of Ypres Oct–Nov 1914. In 1917 he commanded the German front from the North Sea to the River Oise and led his army group in the German Spring Offensive 1918.