Bose was promoted to major general in 1864. During the Austro-Prussian War Bose commanded the 15th Infantry Brigade, with which he distinguished himself at Podol, Münchengrätz and Sadowa. At the end of the war Bose was promoted to lieutenant-general and given command of the 20th Infantry Division. When the Franco-Prussian War started in August 1870, Bose was given command of the XI Corps, with which he served at the battle of Wörth where he was wounded. His wounds kept him out of the war until 1871.