Early Life
Strachwitz was born in Groß Stein, in the District (Kreis) of Groß Strehlitz in Silesia (present-day Kamień Śląski, a part of Gogolin in Opole Voivodeship). His family were members of the Silesian old nobility (Uradel), and held large estates in Upper Silesia, including the family Schloss at Groß Stein. According to family tradition, being firstborn and heir to the title Graf (Count) Strachwitz, he was christened Hyazinth after the 12th century Saint Hyazinth.
When he came of age, Strachwitz was sent to Berlin to partake in a Prussian military education. After several years intense training and study, Strachwitz was admitted to the élite Gardes du Corps cavalry regiment. The Gardes had been established by Prussian King Frederick the Great in 1740, and was considered the most prestigious posting in the Imperial German Army, it was even patroned by Emperor Wilhelm II.
Strachwitz continued his studies at the Groß Lichterfelde Military Academy, placing an emphasis on sporting activities, particularly equestrian, fencing and track and field athletics. Strachwitz excelled as a sportsman, and became a prospective candidate for the 1916 Olympic Games. The outbreak of World War I destroyed this opportunity as Strachwitz, along with the rest of the Imperial Army, was mobilized and began the march west.
Read more about this topic: Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz Von Gross-Zauche Und Camminetz
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