The Fall of the Dynasties: The Collapse of the Old Order: 1905-1922

by Edmond Taylor

And the ones to mutiny first were not the regiments of industrial workers, or those incorporating prisoners released by the Russians, but the stanchest, smartest, most dashing of the imperial troops: the Hungarians. Two days after the start of the Allied offensive, the commander of the Hungarian divisions reported that as a regiment had paraded before him with the usual precision, one man stepped from the ranks, saluted smartly, and informed him that the unit would refuse to take up its positions. When orders were given for the man’s arrest, the regiment called out as if with one voice, “We won’t allow it,” still standing at attention. Questioned separately the men swore that they would fight on to their last breath — but on their own borders.