History
The Szent László Infantry Division (Hungarian: Szent László hadosztály; English: Saint Ladislaus Infantry Division) was a Hungarian infantry unit formed in the final year of World War II. It was made up of a mix of army and air force personnel.
In October 1944, the Szent László Infantry Division was formed. Elements of the division saw action for the first time on 19 December when they were used as emergency troops to plug gaps in the front. This was just before the Battle of Budapest. The units engaged suffered heavy losses during the fighting in Hungary.
The unit did not fight as a division until April, 1945. By then, it had received manpower from several other divisions to cover its earlier losses.
The division continued to fight in northern Croatia and southern Austria until the end of the war. At that point, the division crossed the Carnic Alps and entered Carinthia where it surrendered to British forces.
The Szent László Infantry Division was named for Saint László (also known as Ladislaus). Saint László was the King of Hungary from 1077-1095, as well as the patron saint of military men and exiles.
In October 1944, the Szent László Infantry Division was formed. Elements of the division saw action for the first time on 19 December when they were used as emergency troops to plug gaps in the front. This was just before the Battle of Budapest. The units engaged suffered heavy losses during the fighting in Hungary.
The unit did not fight as a division until April, 1945. By then, it had received manpower from several other divisions to cover its earlier losses.
The division continued to fight in northern Croatia and southern Austria until the end of the war. At that point, the division crossed the Carnic Alps and entered Carinthia where it surrendered to British forces.
The Szent László Infantry Division was named for Saint László (also known as Ladislaus). Saint László was the King of Hungary from 1077-1095, as well as the patron saint of military men and exiles.
Division Insignia
Featured Missions
| Campaign | Mission |
|---|---|
| Siege of Budapest | Mountainous Assault |
| Siege of Budapest | Újpest's Eviction |
Featured as the 1st Parachute Batallion of the 1st Paratrooper Regiment, part of the Szent László Infantry Division