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(official crest)
The impression caused on the Austrian's field army by the fall
of the fortress was colossal, and far reaching, at first disbelief
- followed by heart felt relief - "Thank heaven - the war will
now soon end" -. Up to this point, the ostensible reason for
the Austrian operations on the Carpathians had been the relief of
[blank]. From now onwards it is the defence of Hungary - a vast
difference.
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| One
cannot help feeling that that there is much disgraceful in the surrender
of this fortress, enormously strong by nature and every known device,
an impression heightened by the behaviour of the Austrian officers,
an air of complete indifference an utter lack of all national pride
or even shame, and complete callousness, as regards their men. All
this is borne out by their behaviour in the field. |
| I have
seen them in the field, and here sitting all day long in cafés,
sleek, well fed, and complacent, while their men wander along the
street, half starved and ragged, begging bread from passing Russians,
who with their invariable kindness of heart always give. There are
of course many exceptions, but the mass [of Austrian officers]
is contemptible - effete - degenerate. I did not see them fighting
at the beginning of the war, when they fought better, but now the
men are half hearted, their one desire is - peace at any cost. |
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(signature) J.F. Nielson Capt.
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10 Royal Hussars
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Photograph number 3 ( handwritten caption) Steel turret
completely destroyed
Photograph number 4 (handwritten caption) Steel turret,
note mark where Russian shell had landed.
(signature) J.F. Neilson Capt.
10 Royal Hussars.
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