[2] Dölling was born not in Germany, but on the extreme western edge of Bohemia in a little border town called Roßbach (Hranice).

The aftermath of the First World War in Germany was characterized by revolutionary political tensions, confusion and violence, along with acute economic hardship.

Between 1933 and 1939 he worked, based in Prague, as secretary to the Profintern / RLU (Red International of Labor Unions)[3] Between 1935 and 1938 or 1939 (sources differ) he sat as a deputy in the Czechoslovak parliament.

In 1938 he emigrated with his wife Emmi to Moscow[4] where initially he worked for the International Red Aid (MOPR / Международная организация помощи борцам революции - МОПР) organisation.

After completing his studies here, Dölling remained at the school, until it was dissolved in 1943, working as a teacher for the group of students from the Czechoslovak/Sudeten German regions.

At the same time he was working as an editor and presenter of the "Sudeten German Freedom radio station" (Sudetendeutschen Freiheitssender) transmitting from Moscow.

On 15 September he entered the Senior Training and Education Administration (HVA / Hauptverwaltung Ausbildung) of the Interior ministry, immediately receiving the rank of "Chief Inspector".

With the lessening of the post-war taboo against military titles, his rank of "Chief Inspector" had been replaced, in October 1952, with that of "Major General".

This meant that Dölling was a member of the first group of East German officers since the end of the war to receive the military title "General".