The Emperor of Germany or Kaiser was proclaimed in 1871 in Versailles after the Prussians had defeated the French. He used to be King of Prussia before. Wilhelm was his name. He didnt claim the title Holy Roman Emperor.

The last Holy Roman Emperor was Emperor Francis of Austria-Hungary (although it was called Empire of Austria until 1866 I believe), who abolished the title in 1806 fearing Napoleon might claim it and thus have indirectly legal claims to all territories the old Holy Roman Empire had governed, being roughly Germany, Austria, France and Italy. He continued being Emperor of Austria-Hungary though.

The German states were never under Austrian rule, and the Holy Roman Emperor was an empty title.

Back on-topic:

Russian commanders at Tannenberg for just sending troops into the crossfire.

...and every other battle I can think of has been mentioned.