Battle of Carei(1944)
Exact site. The pin marks a documented battlefield location rather than a broad area.
Carei city, Satu Mare County
Coordinate source: Standard GPS Carei
Background
Carei was the last city of Northern Transylvania to be liberated, fulfilling Romania's main war goal of recovering the territory lost through the Vienna Arbitration in 1940.
Campaign: Romanian Advance West 1944-45
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Final major battle for Northern Transylvania. Romanian forces fought largely independently.
The Battle of Carei was the last stage of recovering Romania's former territory of Northern Transylvania, ceded in 1940 to Hungary as a result of the Second Vienna Award. The battle occurred towards the end of World War II, in the wider context of the Battle of Romania and the Battle of Debrecen. On October 25, 1944, the cities of Carei and Satu Mare were freed from Hungarian and German control. By a decree from 1959, this day was established as the Romanian Armed Forces Day.
“"When the Romanian flag was raised over Carei, men wept openly in the ranks — we had come home." — Romanian officer, cited in Axworthy
Casualties & Outcome
~5,000–6,000 killed and wounded (Romanian); ~8,000–10,000 killed and wounded (Hungarian/German)
Romania achieved victory over Hungary & Germany.
Capture of Carei completed the liberation of northern Transylvania — the last Romanian town under foreign occupation.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Completed the liberation of all Transylvania.
By a decree from 1959, this day was established as the Romanian Armed Forces Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Carei?
- The Battle of Carei took place in 1944. Oct 25, 1944.
- What was the outcome of the Battle of Carei?
- The Romania were victorious against the Hungary & Germany.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Carei?
- Completed the liberation of all Transylvania.