 In 1939, Alvensleben became an Officer of the German Wehrmacht, earning the rank of Captain, and served in Poland, France, Russia, Africa, and Italy.He was wounded in 1941 in Russia and received various decorations, including the Wound Badge, the Infantry Assault Badge, and the Iron Cross 1st Class.His wife committed suicide at the arrival of the Soviet Red Army in Tankow-Seegenfelde on 29 January 1945.