Hungary is an undeservedly overlooked destination for military staff rides and battlefield studies.   Berlin seems to be the first choice, with the battle for Berlin, cold war Berlin and nightlife.  Yet Budapest offers much.

The dash for Budapest

Between 29 October and 24 Nov 1944 the Red army made a dash to capture Budapest. This is all mobile operations with a delaying action by the Germans. In some ways similar to Operation Market Garden, it was a failed gamble, thwarted by the skilled mobile delaying defence of the oputnumbered German forces,

Siege of Budapest

The siege of Budapest lasted from December 1944 to mid February 1945.  The Soviet envelopment involved opposed river crossings. Fighting took place within a variety of urban terrain, with a series of German relief effors.  The climax of the siege was around the citadel and included a break out by the garrision.

 

The Last German Panzer Offensive

Operation Spring Awakening 6-15 March 1945 was the last German offensive of the Second World War.  Taking place in Western Hungary it was  a failed attempt to secure the last significant oil reserves available to the Germans.   The German attack spearheaded by the Sixth SS Panzer Army was ground down omn one of the last major tank battles of the Eastern Front.

The 1944-45 campaign in Hungary offers an opportunity to look at Soviet forces in all phases of war in a variety of terrain.  The Soviet mobile operations and Axis delaying tactics in the dash to Budapest. The bitter urban warfare through the suburbs to the inner city in mid winter.  The soviet defence against the German armoured counter offensive.  Its also an example of a break out from encirclement.

Post war Budapest has considerable historic interest.  It is a place to explore the 1956 rising against the Soviet Union  and life under the communist regieme.

There is plenty of accommodation in Budapest. The city has many restaurants and bars and a lively nightlife for down time.

For more information contact  Frank@frankbaldwin.co.uk