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  5. Battle of Szelindek (Slimnic)

Battle of Szelindek (Slimnic)(1849)

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January 24, 1849·Hungarian Revolutionary Army victory·land·rolling hills, vineyard country

Background

Bem's rapid recovery from defeat demonstrated the quality that made him legendary — he never stayed beaten. His ability to regroup and counterattack within days demoralized Austrian commanders who expected a demoralized enemy.

Campaign: Bem's Transylvanian Campaign 1849

Forces Engaged

Portrait of Avram Iancu, leader of the Romanian Transylvanian resistance during the 1848-49 Revolution
Portrait of Avram Iancu, leader of the Romanian Transylvanian resistance during the 1848-49 Revolution (c. 1849) — Period photograph. Public domain.
Victor
Hungarian Revolutionary Army
Commander: General Józef Bem
Strength: 2,500
Defeated
Austrian Imperial Forces
Commander: General Anton Puchner
Strength: 3,500

The Battle

Period illustration from the 1848–49 revolutionary era — Battle of Szelindek (Slimnic) (1849)
Period illustration from the 1848–49 revolutionary era — Battle of Szelindek (Slimnic) (1849) (c. 1849) — Sylvain5791. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Three days after Nagyszeben failure, Bem defeated Puchner at Slimnic in a sharp engagement.

Casualties & Outcome

100
Hungarian Revolutionary Army
casualties
200
Austrian Imperial Forces
casualties

~100 killed and wounded (Hungarian); ~200 killed and wounded (Austrian)

Hungarian Revolutionary Army achieved victory over Austrian Imperial Forces.

Puchner's confidence was shaken — the man he had just defeated turned and beat him three days later. Sándor Petőfi, Hungary's greatest poet, arrived at Bem's headquarters after the battle and became his adjutant.

Significance & Legacy

Restored Hungarian momentum. Poet Sándor Petőfi joined Bem's army here.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Battle of Szelindek (Slimnic)?
The Battle of Szelindek (Slimnic) took place in 1849. January 24, 1849.
Who won the Battle of Szelindek (Slimnic)?
The Hungarian Revolutionary Army were victorious against the Austrian Imperial Forces.
What was the significance of the Battle of Szelindek (Slimnic)?
Restored Hungarian momentum. Poet Sándor Petőfi joined Bem's army here.

Related Battles

Battle of Szőkefalva (Seuca)1849 · Hungarian Revolutionary Army victoryFirst Battle of Nagyszeben (Sibiu)1849 · Austrian-Russian garrison victoryBattle of Vízakna (Ocna Sibiului)1849 · Austrian Imperial Forces victoryGreat Assembly of Blaj1848 · Romanian Transylvanians victoryProclamation of Islaz1848 · Revolutionaries victorySkirmish at Beilic Bridge1848 · Ottoman Imperial Army victory
View all Revolution of 1848 battles →

Sources

  • Hermann, R. — Az 1848-1849-es szabadságharc hadtörténete
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