He was known for being the younger brother of Field Marshal of Eberhard Herwarth von Bittenfeld and commanding the 4th Division during the Austro-Prussian War.

[1] After attending the Humboldt University of Berlin, Herwarth von Bittenfeld joined the 2nd Guard Foot Regiment [de] on 22 April 1819.

[2] At the same time, Herwarth von Bittenfeld was also a member of the military board of directors of the central gymnasium from 14 June 1855.

With his promotion to Lieutenant General on 18 October 1861, Herwarth von Bittenfeld was transferred to the officers of the army.

Shortly before the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War, Herwarth von Bittenfeld was placed with a pension on 9 July 1870, and was awarded the Grand Commander of the Royal Order of Hohenzollern.