Moltke (molt'ka), Helmuth Karl Bernhard, Count von. Chief marshal of the German empire. Was born in Parchim, Mecklenburg, 1800. He entered the Prussian service in 1822 as a lieutenant in the eighth infantry regiment. In 1835, he undertook a tour of Turkey, remained there several years, and took part in the campaign of the Turks in Syria, against the viceroy of Egypt. He became lieutenant-general in 1859, and sketched the plans of the campaigns against Denmark (1864), and Austria (1866). He was the commander-in-chief in the Franco-German War, 1870-71, and to his brilliant strategy are ascribed the victories of the German arms. The illustrious marshal, who is generally regarded as the first strategist of the day, was created a count in 1870, and chief marshal of the German Empire in 1871. Died 1891.

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