 A farmer's son, Eggeling went to the "Bürgerschule" (a type of vocational school once found in some parts of Germany) and the Gymnasium in Blankenburg.Between 1898 and 1904 he completed officer training at the cadet schools at Oranienstein and Groß-Lichterfelde.In March 1904, Eggeling joined the army as an infantry lieutenant, and after August 1914, served in combat units during World War I.