Martin Chales de Beaulieu

Franz Martin Chales de Beaulieu was born as son of Eduard Chales de Beaulieu on 11 November 1857.

In 1877, Beaulieu entered the Prussian Army as a Fahnenjunker in the 2nd Guards Grenadier Regiment. On 12 October 1877, Beaulieu was appointed as Second-Lieutenant. In 1887, Beaulieu was promoted to Premier-Lieutenant. In 1891, Beaulieu became the adjutant of Alfred von Schlieffen, the Chief of the German General Staff. In 1894, Beaulieu was again with the 2nd Guards Grenadier Regiment in Berlin. He then served in the staff of the 2nd Guards Division before becoming a major on 18 November 1897; then serving on the staff of the VI Corps. In 1901, he was once more with the 2nd Guards Grenadier Regiment and in 1902, Beaulieu again became an adjutant of Alfred von Schlieffen. In 1903, Beaulieu served as a section chief in the general staff and, on 24 April 1904, he was promoted to Oberstleutnant. After his promotion, Beaulieu became part of the Schutztruppe and became chief of staff to General Lothar von Trotha during the Herero Wars. Afterwards Beaulieu returned to Germany and became chief of staff of the II Corps. On 16 October 1905, Beaulieu became the commander of the 32nd Infantry Regiment. He was promoted to Oberst in 1907 and Generalmajor in 1911. He became the commander of 74th Infantry Brigade. On 25 June 1913, Beaulieu became a Generalleutnant and commander of the 12th Division.[1]

At the outbreak of the World War I, Beaulieu's 12th Division was part of the 4th Army under Albrecht, Duke of Württemberg. The division accordingly served on the Western Front nd participated in the Battle of the Ardennes. In 1916 the Oberste Heeresleitung named Beaulieu commander of the XIV Corps, replacing Karl von Hänisch. On 5 September 1917, Beaulieu received the Pour le Mérite from Wilhelm II for his actions in the war. On the same day Beaulieu was removed from his position and retired. Shortly after his retirement, on 3 January 1918, Beaulieu was given the character of a General der Infantrie.[1]