Battle of Segesvár (Sighișoara)(1849)
Background
By late July 1849 the Hungarian Revolution faced total collapse: Russian forces invaded from the north and east while Austria pressed from the west. Segesvár was part of Bem's desperate attempt to maintain operational freedom.
Campaign: Apuseni Mountain Campaign 1848-49
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Russian cavalry encircled the Hungarian right flank; the front collapsed. Poet Sándor Petőfi was killed here.
The Battle of Segesvár, also called the Battle of Fehéregyháza, was a battle in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, fought on 31 July 1849 between the Hungarian revolutionary army under the command of Lieutenant General Józef Bem and the Russian V Corps under General Alexander von Lüders. The battle ended with the victory of the Russian army, which was presumably the death location of the Hungarian poet and national hero Sándor Petőfi, but his body was never found. Furthermore, The Chief of Staff Russian V corps, General Grigory Skariatin was killed at the battle. Although heavy, the defeat was not decisive for the Hungarian army of Transylvania, Lieutenant General Józef Bem continuing his resistance in the province until the Battle of Nagycsűr on 6 August 1849.
“"He was last seen running on foot toward Héjjasfalva, in civilian clothes, unarmed." — Russian officer account of Petőfi's final moments
Casualties & Outcome
~1,200 killed and wounded including Petőfi (Hungarian); Russian losses modest; Gen. Skariatin killed
Russian V Corps + Austrian achieved victory over Hungarian Revolutionary Army.
The Hungarians lost 1,300 soldiers, while the Russians lost 246 soldiers. During the first week of August 1849 the majority of Transylvania fell into the hands of the Russians and Austrians. During the month and a half which passed until the start of the Russian intervention in Transylvania, the losses of the Hungarian Army of Transylvania mounted to 75% of its soldiers. Despite these huge losses, Lieutenant General Józef Bem completed his task of keeping the invading enemy troops away from the main theater of the war: Hungary.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Decisive battle that shattered Hungarian control of Transylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Segesvár (Sighișoara)?
- The Battle of Segesvár (Sighișoara) took place in 1849. July 31, 1849.
- Who won the Battle of Segesvár (Sighișoara)?
- The Russian V Corps + Austrian were victorious against the Hungarian Revolutionary Army.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Segesvár (Sighișoara)?
- Decisive battle that shattered Hungarian control of Transylvania.