Family

Brauchitsch was born in Berlin as the son of a cavalry general (Bernhard Eduard von Brauchitsch). He was raised in the tradition of the Prussian officer corps. His aristocratic Silesian family later moved into the center of high society of Berlin.

Military career

Brauchitsch spent most of his pre-war career in the same manner as other Prussian officers, in many different military units. He would also spend this time doing ceremonial work in mid-November 1910 with the adjutant of Ernst II, Duke of Saxe-Altenburg. Between 1895 and 1913, he served in a Prussian Guards Regiment, a Thuringian Infantry Regiment, an Infantry Brigade, and finally, a Fusilier Company.

With the outbreak of World War I, Brauchitsch was promoted to company commander of the 20th Reserve Infantry Regiment. Later, he was a battalion commander in the 221st Reserve Infantry Regiment. There he was on 18 August 1916 promoted to major. After the war in January 1919 he was transferred back to the 7th Fusilier Regiment.

Inter-war years

After the demobilization of the army, he joined the provisional Reichswehr and was placed in the 13th Infantry Regiment. In October 1920, he was appointed commander of the 5th Battalion Infantry Regiment, and promoted to lieutenant colonel. In June 1923, he moved to the Ministry of the Reichswehr. In November 1923, he briefly worked with the Army High Command under Hans von Seeckt. In February 1926, he was promoted to colonel. In May 1926, he was transferred to the 12th Infantry Regiment in Halberstadt, in April 1928, he became its commander. He held this command up to his retirement in January 1929.

Retirement

On the day of his retirement, 31 January 1929, he was promoted to the rank of Major General. For his service in the army he was awarded with a total of 16 medals, including the Iron Cross.

Notable relatives

Brauchitsch was the brother of Walther von Brauchitsch, who would go on to become a field marshal and Commander-in-Chief of the German Army.

Brauchitsch was related to Manfred von Brauchitsch, a Mercedes-Benz "Silver Arrow" Grand Prix driver, and also Hans von Haeften and Werner von Haeften, both also army officers and later members of the German resistance against Hitler.

Death

Adolf von Brauchitsch died in Chemnitz, Germany on 21 January 1935 at age 58.