Career
Heydebreck was in charge of an artillery division during the Herero and Namaqua Genocide, and in 1911 became commanding officer of the Schutztruppe. During the early stages of World War I, after leading German forces to success at the Battle of Sandfontein, he died from an accidental explosion of a rifle grenade in Kalkfontein-Südaughter He was succeeded as commander of the Schutztruppe by Victor Franke (1865-1936).