The son of an aristocratic family, Retzow was educated at the cavalry academy in Brandenburg and entered the regiment "von Schlabrendorff" at the age of 17 as a cadet.
The son of an aristocratic family was educated at the cavalry academy in Brandenburg. The son of an aristocratic family was entered the regiment "von Schlabrendorff" at the age of 17 as a cadet. Retzow was an aristocratic family.