Austro-Hungarian Uniforms of World War 1 I THE GREAT WAR Special

For more details on Austro-Hungarian Uniforms: www.austro-hung...
Austria-Hungary fielded probably the most diverse army of World War 1, the troops also had a proud tradition going back decades that influenced their uniform design as much as local customs. During the course of the war, the Habsburg Empire also suffered from a lack of supplies and still needed to modernise their equipment.
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» WHAT ARE YOUR SOURCES?
Videos: British Pathé
Pictures: Mostly Picture Alliance
Background Map: d-maps.com/cart...
Literature (excerpt):
Gilbert, Martin. The First World War. A Complete History, Holt Paperbacks, 2004.
Hart, Peter. The Great War. A Combat History of the First World War, Oxford University Press, 2013.
Hart, Peter. The Great War. 1914-1918, Profile Books, 2013.
Stone, Norman. World War One. A Short History, Penguin, 2008.
Keegan, John. The First World War, Vintage, 2000.
Hastings, Max. Catastrophe 1914. Europe Goes To War, Knopf, 2013.
Hirschfeld, Gerhard. Enzyklopädie Erster Weltkrieg, Schöningh Paderborn, 2004
Michalka, Wolfgang. Der Erste Weltkrieg. Wirkung, Wahrnehmung, Analyse, Seehamer Verlag GmbH, 2000
Leonhard, Jörn. Die Büchse der Pandora: Geschichte des Ersten Weltkrieges, C.H. Beck, 2014
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» WHAT IS “THE GREAT WAR” PROJECT?
THE GREAT WAR covers the events exactly 100 years ago: The story of World War I in realtime. Featuring: The unique archive material of British Pathé. Indy Neidell takes you on a journey into the past to show you what really happened and how it all could spiral into more than four years of dire war. Subscribe to our channel and don’t miss our new episodes every Thursday.
» WHO IS REPLYING TO MY COMMENTS? AND WHO IS BEHIND THIS PROJECT?
Most of the comments are written by our social media manager Florian. He is posting links, facts and backstage material on our social media channels. But from time to time, Indy reads and answers comments with his personal account, too.
The Team responsible for THE GREAT WAR is even bigger:
CREDITS -
Presented by : Indiana Neidell
Written by: Indiana Neidell
Director: Toni Steller & Florian Wittig
Director of Photography: Toni Steller
Sound: Toni Steller
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Based on a concept by Spartacus Olsson
Author: Indiana Neidell
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Producer: Toni Steller & Florian Wittig
Social Media Manager: Florian Wittig
Contains licenced Material by British Pathé
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[@TwentythreePER]

I think the Austro-Hungarians were the most interesting nation in the war to me. I love their equipment and rifles especially. I have some of the ammo pouches, bayonet, and a modified rifle of theirs.

[@michaelmuller6890]

There were everything else but a nation. Franz Joseph adressed his subjects like this: "proclamation to my nations". Have a look at the plural :)

[@michapietka8443]

But which one nation? ;)

[@twistusvonhasburg4000]

i agree

[@koffieslikkersenior]

Dunno why, but AH in the war always fascinates me.

[@kreol1q1q]

Might also be because they are a pretty huge part of the war, but are most often even more overlooked than Italy in WWII (even though Austria-Hungary was a vastly more powerful ally to Germany in WWI, than Italy was in WWII). It's a pretty important and fascinating actor in the war that is usually completely swept under the carpet, or discarded as unimportant and derided as worthless - which is in part true, but in much larger part just a consequence of post-war propaganda.

[@koffieslikkersenior]

Jack the Gestapo lol. He IS an interesting figure, but not for what he did during WW1

[@bookworm5656able]

Make Austria great again Everyone just wants to forget, no?

[@bookworm5656able]

Make Austria great again What? How is a social welfare state selfish?

[@bookworm5656able]

Jack the Gestapo Have I a bad perception of a social welfare state? The state attempts to nurture and ensure the well-being of its people? That doesn't sound selfish to me.

[@colestockdale5616]

There is a 94-year-old lady at my church and her Father was an Austro-Hungarian Naval Officer. He spoke 5 different languages!!! Insane.

[@jfsmit1995]

4:43 "And here we see Karl Marx posing as an Austro-Hungarian soldier."

[@fristnamelastname5549]

Geeglio Karl Marx: Bring Communism near you. Join the Austrian Army today.

[@nolemore9]

Hungary was communist for a short time after WW1

[@redornament3248]

@@nolemore9 for a millisecond actually before it got axed by its neighbors

[@luigidisanpietro3720]

🤣👌

[@awc6007]

Lol

[@kurtdiexer3459]

Reminds me of a joke, two senior AH officers meet after the war: Officer 1: We had the most beautiful army Officer 2: Indeed our uniforms were unrivaled in elegance and style, our marching bands the best in the world Officer 1: And then.. Officer 2: .. these idiots started a war

[@MrMacky-co6zn]

Sounds like Texas football

[@omargerardolopez3294]

huh?

[@omargerardolopez3294]

@The Philosoraptor o

[@TheAurelianProject]

I don’t get it

[@MrHejke]

@@TheAurelianProject It's trying to imply the myth (popularized mostly by Germans explaining their defeat after the war) of "terrible" A-H army, who only looked fine but couldn't fight. Spoiler: it was not the case.

[@johnv.6191]

Atleast they collapsed with style.

[@nickey3633]

OH MAN..

[@jacktarat]

Unfortunately Austria went down without any style. It was a complete desaster for everybody. Leaders, soldiers, civilians, peoples. More war, hunger, desease and poverty for many years and the result (besides other things) was the second war. And it was completely our own fault. We started it senseless and we ended it without sense and without style. On the other hand, look where we are now, only 100 years later!

[@mirjanamilosavljevic4261]

@@jacktarat where are you

[@Bubble23428]

At least the Hungarians kept everything

[@AlexKS1992]

No they didn’t. From what I read it was awful and for a time Central Europe went through revolts and corruption.

[@DominikChlubna]

At 1:58 is a picture of the famous Austrian actor Hans Moser (Johann Julier) who was born 1880 in Vienna and served at the Isonzo frontier, where he diverted his comrades thoughts from war with his jokes.

[@kreol1q1q]

That's a cool little tidbit of info, thanks!

[@NadonioLP]

This was Hans Moser, when he was young? Interesting! He was an good actor.

[@Schlachthof5]

The was another famous actor Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó. Known in America as Bela Lugosi. In 1914 he was deployed to Galicia as an infantry lieutenant in the 43rd Royal Hungarian Infantry till 1916 when he was wounded.

[@totallynotalpharius2283]

The eternal punchline " Conrad"

[@mkd2839]

At least they weren't literally walking rainbows that could be seen from miles away *cough* the French *cough*

[@E46_Lenker]

Steve not really

[@op_nerf8888]

StardustNotHötzendorf The French haved the worst uniform

[@bartprovencal9905]

Paul Alexander Napoleon 3rd -ish uniforms actually. But still, they were at least 20 years late. Actually the main reasons for not changing were mainly an irrational national identification to an uniform, but also the idea that being able to identify one's own soldiers on a battlefield allowed to shoot on anything that doesn't wear such bright colours. So yeah, minds were still very turned to napoleonic times. But it's not as if the military hadn't realised what was wrong with the bright uniforms. There were several attemps to change it. In1902 there were trials for a steel helmet for the artillery 1903 a company was equipped with a boer style uniform (less visible, and with a bush hat). No one knows why trials didn't continue as the uniform was found to be very practical. 1906 there were similar trials for a mix of blue and beige which gave a greyish uniform, but the trials were not carried out. Above all in 1911, a brown uniform called "reseda" was about to be adopted. It was very practical, and the infantry had an helmet in cork that looked a bit like the future Adrian helmet. But the current minister of war Berteaux who supported it was killed by a plane during an air show, and the following minister wasn't able to cope with the criticism from the press and the parliament about the new "unpatriotic" uniform, so he gave up. So basically years were lost in trials and in deciding to not decide, until the war broke out. The conclusion is that France can change, but it needs a tragedy to do so.

[@bartprovencal9905]

Paul Alexander Between 300,000 and 400,000. That's the number of kia for 1914 (knowing that the new blue uniform was introduced in 1915). On a total of 1.4 million losses for the whole war, clearly 1914 was the most deadly period for the French. It's more than the French losses at Verdun (which lasted 10 months). So yeah, apparently wearing bright red and blue uniforms and charging machine guns wasn't a very wise tactic. And yup, the British had learned from the Boers and were very well equipped and trained. The downside was that in 1914 they were only able to deploy 70,000 soldiers (against 2.9 millions for the French and 3.8 millions for the Germans)

[@Baamthe25th]

At least, the french weren't led by Hotzendorf.

[@jukahri]

We should un-invent the machine gun and reintroduce these glorious uniforms.

[@bookworm5656able]

Jukelo Then they will litter Silesia again!

[@jonaspete]

The automatic and bolt action rifle shall be un invent too then we will return to musket era where these uniform will shine.

[@Elenrai]

Remember the beards. No shaving, we can all look like Karl Marx

[@rhodesianwojak2095]

Unironically this

[@JustAnotherNamelessGuy]

@@jonaspete THen Un invent the musket rifles to and go back to swords and axes where uniforms will shine on your eyes so bright they will burn you. Im talking about knight armor

[@pajduscz]

Such a shame that almost nobody care about Austrians although they were very important in most of european conflicts since 30 years' war.

[@5.7moy]

‘Tis a real shame.

[@fritzorino]

"The infantryman carried a tornister A field pack made of leather on his back" sick rhymes bro

[@TheGreatWar]

MC conrad represents.

[@antoniavie]

@@TheGreatWar the nickname for the tornister was a "toni"

[@georgejungle9037]

My grand-grand father fought for Austro-Hungary and died in 1916 in south Tyrol at the Dolomiten. He was a member of the Jagdkommando and died by a grenade

[@TheGreatWar]

If you are interested, we did an episode about the Jagdkommandos and we also visited the Dolomite front and published a few episodes about it.

[@jurepotokar9068]

My grandfather (never met him) fought for Austro Hungary as well. First, as Leutenant at Drina river (Goražde, Bosnia and Herzegovina), then he was transfered as Oberleutenant to Isonco (Soča, Slovenian) river, where he was wounded. He died in 1968. He was Slovenian. I have his six medals.

[@darkec71]

Jure, what regiment your grandfather was? Any of so called "Slovene" regiments (17 IR, 47 IR, 87 IR etc.) According to some research only one battalion of 87th IR was fighting on Balkan front (all the other "Slovene" regiments were sent first to Galicia and later to Italian (Soča and Tirol) front. My great-grand father was probably a member of 20th Honved Infantry Regiment or 48th Infantry Regiment from Velika Kanjiža (NagyKanizsa) where men from Prekmurje (the part of Prekmurje which belonged to Zalamegy) served. All I know about him that he was talking about fighting on a "fiume" (river) probably Piave.

[@jurepotokar9068]

@@darkec71 My father (1932) told me,that his father (born March 25th, 1885) served in IR 070 (70th Infantry Regiment). Im going to ask my aunt, if she has any additional information about him. I have to correct myself: my Grandfather was wounded in Bosnia and Herzegovina (grenade, thrown from airplane). When he has recovered, he was transferred as CO (Commanding Officer - Oberleutenant) of Railway Station in Prvačina (now Slovenia); Soča/Isonco front. His father was solider too: 17 years of service, Battle of Custozza 1866, medal.

[@danielmolnar4371]

@@darkec71 Fiume is also the Hungarian name of Rijeka, but it's probably not what he meant.

[@hp5864]

Great series, a masterpiece. You really made a capital dissection of WW1. I enjoy it alot, for the historical accuracy and value. Greetings from Bosnia

[@rodger3352]

Love to Bosnia ❤️ I hope you guys are doing well

[@hp5864]

@@rodger3352 thanks man. We try but they won't leave us be. Hopefully no more war ever again

[@johannesmaximilian848]

Thanks for showing these great uniforms! Have been waiting for it a long time. The uniform combined with the Feldkappe looks awesome. great video.

[@XeleriumDa]

A Logistics Nightmare

[@MrRenegadeshinobi]

Xelerium Da I would hate to have been a Austro-Hungarian Quatermaster.

[@pnutz_2]

could be worse, you could have ended up being a russian quartermaster

[@ineednochannelyoutube5384]

Why exactly? The only nonstandard thing was tiny colored patches.

[@Autechltd]

And that's before you have to figure out how to send them their uniforms by railway, which was chaos.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

The regimental facing colours were hard to reproduce accurately - different factories tended to produce different colours irrespective of what the regulations said.

[@royalradish9412]

Important question for out of the trenches: What was Wonder Woman's role during WW1? She led a British charge across No-Mans land, liberated a Belgian village, and even went behind enemy lines and assassinated Erich Ludendorff! Can't believe I haven't heard more about her before, please explain Indy!

[@shivmalik9405]

Er….. I seriously hope this wasn’t serious

[@zeppelinboys]

i was forced to see this movie and the only thing i liked was seeing Spud from Trainspotting casted in it. im happy the actor probably got a decent paycheck

[@chrismath149]

@@zeppelinboys Also, the accuracy of the German machine gun firing at Wonder Woman and only hitting her shield. Unless that thing was magnetic (have not seen the film, only the part of the trench attack), there is no excuse for her not losing her legs. Those rifles had a massive spread.

[@DanielWW2]

In summary; every soldier had their own unique uniform. If you where caught copying another man you where shot. :P

[@yummyyum4626]

their*

[@diamonddog257]

.... and millions died .

[@maiamaya381]

were*

[@gregsochor]

Just a small note: The signs of rank weren't /aren't stars, but symbolized "Edelweiss" a traditional Austrian mountain-flower as can be seen in some of the closeups. Incidentially this is still the case on contemporary Austrian Army uniforms.

[@TheGreatWar]

They should have done a better job not having them look like stars.

[@TheJutsch98]

Actually not only the army but also firefighters and the Austrian Red Cross still use it on rank patches

[@michealohaodha9351]

The Edelweiss collar insignia was specific to the Austro-Hungarian mountain regiments (Landesschutzen Regiments 1, 2, 3 and Landwehr Regiments Nr 4 and 27). The Edelweiss worked in tandem with the stars identifying the man as (1) a mountain infantryman and (2) by his specific rank.

[@luitpoldwalterstorffer2446]

@@TheGreatWar The Edelweiss looks like a star.

[@ineednochannelyoutube5384]

Same with the Honvédség, but they are stars.

[@camdudzinski5206]

My country tis of thee, Austria-Hungary, Obey your king.

[@cameronleach5475]

European Union!

[@podemosurss8316]

4:46 I never knew that Karl Marx joined the Austro-Hungarian army...

[@r.j.5444]

Always knew my great grandfather had served in WW1, but only just found out today he was in the Austro-Hungarian army as an artillery gunner. It’s a shame his life wasn’t great after the war, but I am proud of his service and have much respect for him.

[@gogoplayz4887]

That’s cool

[@gogoplayz4887]

My family fought in the Spanish civil war (on republican side) and they lost so my family moved to Cuba then to America

[@AllCanadiaReject]

You forgot to mention that outstanding change they made in 1915 where they replaced the leather in the boots with cardboard. Simply magical

[@kingmichealthefirstofroman2278]

Indy i have one for out of the trenches How important was the Danish units in the german army since 1864

[@wullfsaxon2634]

søren hulemose how can a pastry fight XD

[@kingmichealthefirstofroman2278]

WhiteShadow what do you mean

[@allenrodrick9713]

søren hulemose i think Whiteshadow is refering to the danish tart meme :D

[@wullfsaxon2634]

Allen Rodrick I can't believe people remember that...but yeah thats what i was refering to. its a joke about an American when asked something along the likes of "what are people from Denmark called?" the woman says denmarkers. so the interviewer says they're called danish. tgen she asks "how do pastries have a country?" thats basically the origin. danish tarts are refered to as just "a Danish" in many parts of the world

[@kingmichealthefirstofroman2278]

WhiteShadow no danes

[@Stormtropper222]

MM = Master Monarchy! Best of its time. Greetings from Hungary!

[@iupetre]

Indy and team, thank you so much for all the hard work you do for these videos. They are amazing, and your attention to detail is wonderful! Thank you!

[@AtomicPeacenik]

I've said it before and I'll say it now, the Special Episodes on uniforms are some of my favorite content on this channel. As a long time collector of historical military uniforms and clothing I just want to say well done. Excellent work, Indy and crew.

[@demiocusrex5992]

My grandpa was still born in the AH empire (1911) I'm proud to live in acountry that had such great heritage

[@Iamlicc]

ever heard of Standardization?

[@stanislauskusumobagus5266]

They never heard of it, probably

[@abu-hureraali4531]

Stanislaus Kitagaul we heard of it but it's boring Austrians are fancy and not boring like the Brits with their khaki.

[@halorecon95]

felix Tuvelid The uniform was standardised, just the hats were different

[@thurin84]

you want boring? we americans didnt even have unit unique cap badges. just an awesome badass looking eagle.

[@thurin84]

halorecon95 not so much

[@Segundo608]

You really deserve more subs

[@easternbear2356]

One hundred and fifty one years ago today, the monarchical union between the Empire of Austria and the Kingdom of Hungary was proclaimed by the Austro-Hungarian compromise of 1867 which saw the dual monarchy established with Emperor Franz Joseph at the helm.

[@enistuka5179]

Dude,please make review of 2.Bosniaken Regiment,they was most decorated regiment in Austro-Hungarian army ,they even have they marching Anthem,Die Bosniaken Commen

[@edwil111]

Wow... just wow.! Indy's attention to detail is amazng !

[@bigburd875]

last time I was this early, France was still a monarchy

[@abu-hureraali4531]

Teddy Roosevelt last time I was quick to respond the U.S.A wasn't a thing

[@bigburd875]

Kaiser Franz Joseph I those are fighting words mister! come to the white house for a one on one!

[@wullfsaxon2634]

Teddy Roosevelt last time you were that early america was actually great -_-

[@manojanton-rajkumar6923]

BUUUUURRRERRRRRRRRNNNNNN

[@vukman2665]

Last time I fought Austro-Hungarians they stopped being an empire

[@TheWoollyFrog]

Was waiting for this episode for years!

[@capncake8837]

“Get them, they’re wearing different uniforms!” “No, wait!” “I can’t understand them! They must be an enemy!”

[@bnast6849]

That's exactly what happened although AH soldiers killed each other regardless of the language. My grand grandfather was a Serb in AH army fighting in Galicia and they always had to sleep with one eye open because of Croatian soldiers and we basically have the same language.

[@Elwayphx]

My Great Great Grandfather was an officer in the Austro-Hungarian Army. He was in during The Balkan Wars and beginning of WW1, he died in 1914.

[@leeraeside5341]

you guys should totally do an episode on trade and the impact blockades had on central powers.

[@mariasoledad8143]

Complete information. I enjoyed this vídeo.

[@Flavaop1169]

I have been waiting for this episode for years

[@HaNNibal97smiTH]

Yes, I've been waiting for this for a long time !

[@simonk.6349]

Hello, thank you for making this amazing show! Speaking of Austria-Hungary, could you do a special episode on Czechoslovakian Legions?

[@TheGreatWar]

working on it.

[@simonk.6349]

Love you guys!

[@fare1181]

2:42 Heroes of my beloved Bosnia

[@Sana-vr4xr]

Bosniaken Power👏🇧🇦💪

[@mirjanamilosavljevic4261]

@@Sana-vr4xr yes my dear such heroes that we in Serbia still remember war crimes against civilians,celebrate war criminals , your way

[@gpholtz]

This is a great channel, The presentation and contents are extraordinary! Two curiosities from my part. I had the honor to meet and talk to a French WWI trench veteran inside the Museé des Invalides in Paris in the late 1970's; My grand-grandfather, luckily migrated here to Brazil, in 1913, as a young 21 years old adventurous man, from the Austro-Hungarian Empire! How lucky was that! When he returned to Austria in 1959 to visit his relatives, they could not believe the vintage German language accent and vocabulary.....

[@raytrumble1994]

I love this channel please keep feeding us knowledge

[@hughmccabe3385]

Which uniforms will you do next? Italian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Portugal?

[@TheGreatWar]

Might be Serbian.

[@mikeoxsmal8022]

The Great War oh maybe the Great War unifotm

[@cacadorespecial6030]

Since you mentioned Portugal (I'm impressed!), I'll clarify you: The majority of the Portuguese Infantry wore British-style uniforms and weapons, with the standard colour being blue, more like the French ones. The uniforms of the men of the "Portuguese Independent Heavy Artillery Corps" were somewhat diferent, but I don't know many details about them.

[@thurin84]

the great war, should be a short episode.......

[@michaelmuller6890]

Well-done research, probably at a professional level. My respect!

[@darkeagle553]

Finally !! Great as always.

[@foresta-2684]

You guys make my lunch even better

[@abu-hureraali4531]

God bless America.

[@karikarhu599]

YES! FINALY! Thanks so much guys!

[@planetoidluvr]

thank you for this amazing show sir

[@ninobaum]

Proud Austrian here 🇦🇹

[@SupahtrippX]

really enjoyed the level of detail, great work Indy and team!

[@acidburn134]

can you discuss some of the impact bosnian soldiers had in the austrian army

[@michealohaodha9351]

They had quite an impact both socially and militarily. Many famous Austrians including the author/ photographer Pero Blaskovic, writer/radio broadcaster Rudolf Henz, filmmaker Robert Michel and even a future Austrian president Dr Adolf Scharf served in the Bosniaks. On the military side of things they were very highly decorated and regarded with some of the best combat records in the Austrian Army - the 2nd Bosniaks was the most decorated unit in that army with 42 Golden Bravery Medal recipients (maybe the equivalent of the VC/ Medal of Honour). The Italians in particular had a great fear of the Bosnians - sometimes when a non-Bosnian unit moved into the line fezzes were handed out to give the Italians the impression that Bosnians were present :)

[@jif.6821]

@6:08 The guy second from the right is trying to figure out where the feather in his hat came from.

[@paulvonhindenburg8674]

Austria-Hungary: Indivisibiliter ac Inseparabiliter! Imperial Army: That's where you're wrong kiddo

[@Tappy1001]

i have been binge watching this channel for 5 days now keep up the great content

[@TheGreatWar]

Welcome to the show.

[@rejmons1]

My grandfather fighted as the legionary of Pilsudski (who was called "grandfather" by soldiers) in 4-rth Infantry Regiment of Polish Legions. (The number of his military identity card - 30108). And I proud of this!

[@papabearpaw5866]

loving your channel.

[@w0tna781]

Excellent video!

[@grayflaneur4854]

I am amazed at the complexity of the uniforms worn by so many European soldiers. As time went on the need to equip soldiers and replace items forced standardization, but I continue to be amazed at variety of items worn that depended on the branch of service. A tailor and quartermaster nightmare.

[@markcollins9903]

Thanks for this

[@thurin84]

awesome episode!!! austro-hungarian uniforms come in a dizzying array. despite being updated in 1907-08 early war uniforms still showed a lot of 19th century and napoleonic influences. at least until the economies of war forced more standardization.

[@bassman3235]

Do a special on the Bosnian units in the AH army!

[@yummyyum4626]

They were feared by the enemy. I heard that sometimes, the Austrian troops wore the Fez to trick the enemy into thinking it was the Bosnian battalion. hehe...

[@DamirAlijagic]

That was common on Italian front in the alps, where they issued Fez to hungarian troops, so Italian army observers think that in that sector of front are still Bosnian units. lol

[@DamirAlijagic]

Yes.Good idea for a special. Bosnian units were elite fighters and famous for bravery. One of the units (Bosnisch-hercegovinisches Infanterie Regiment Nr. 2) was the most decorated unit of whole imperial army.

[@leonardthesnifferwallace5073]

1. Why would Hungarians willingly wear fezes when A) it Isn't part of neither their culture nor religion, B) gives the glory in battle to somebody else but them and C) is impossible for them to attempt anyway since there isn't enough of those fezes to go around and also violates the rules of war by fielding a foreign uniform. What's next - the British wore Aussie hats pretending to be Aussies to scare the Germans? 2. " Bosnian units were elite fighters and famous for bravery." That's now what I've read. In both world wars they were noted for having little to no intention to integrate with others and fighting more as an independent force only concerned with the local war and regional issues rather than their overlords. That was duly noted. While we are at it - what "Bosnians" are we talking about anyway? The nationality, composed of three ethnic groups - basically being the same but belonging to different religious faiths - or the Muslims, whatever they call themselves? Last I checked Bosnia has never been a homogenous country and what constitutes a "Bosnian" seems to be a matter of some debate among the locals. Are you sure the same locals just magically dropped all that in order to serve their Austrian emperor? While the Czechs, Poles and even the Hungarians had little loyalty to the Austrians, the Bosnians somehow had even though they neither share the language nor any Austrians customs? I seriously doubt any Hungarian would willingly play charades in war. Somebody has been telling you a load of nonsense. It's most likely a war myth, much like Finns supposedly lining up 20,000 frozen Soviet soldiers during the Winter War of 1939-1940 to scare off the Soviet invaders.

[@DamirAlijagic]

First: Your opinion is based on some semi-information about this subject. And your examples are banal. Second: Nobody told me nothing about this subject. I read it and researched for myself. From historical books writen by regimental oficiers of Bosnian units and various regional historical sources..( War museum Vienna, Kobarid War museum etc. When i talk about Bosnian units i mean about all people and all religious groups from teritory of Bosnia and Herzegovina.As they were mobilised at the begining of war like all other nations in Austrian empire. Third.. switching headgear was a fact recorded from several sources, and by order of higher command , coz Hungarian units did not have such fighting reputation as Bosnian units. Once more that is a historical fact. coz it is observed that Italians didnt attack in sectors of fronts held by Bosnian units. Quoting Werner Schachinger: "even non Bosnia units would sometime use Bosnian fez to make enemy think they are fighting against Bosniaks, what was discouraging." In total, troops from Bosnia and Herzegovina earned 106 golden medals,. It seems that most famous venture of them was battle for Monte Meletta during last days of May and first days of June in the year 1916, where Bosnian troops destroyed Italian forces. And last..what homogeneous nation means? This remark is totaly pointless. Most of nations where heterogenous more or less. Especially in 19. century . You think that Germans or Italians or Belgians where homogeneous national entity at the begining of 20. century? or Britts?:D Check your facts better ;)

[@davidkelley5382]

Dude, love your vids!

[@nellennatea]

Thank you for being great teacher.

[@highfatcheese7668]

your the best! keep it up

[@artofwar3992]

My grandfather was in the Austro Hungarian Army before the First World War. He lived near Przemysl in Galicia. I have after him buckle with the symbol of Austria-Hungary.Greetings from Poland!

[@VladVlad-ul1io]

Austro-Hungarian Anthem in romanian language: Doamne sânte, întăreşce Pră al nostru Împărat! Să domnească ’nţelepţeşce Pe dreptate răzimat! Părintescule-i coroane Credincios să-i aperăm: De-a Habsburgei ’nalte troane Soartea noastră s’o legăm!

[@onrr1726]

I have an Austo-Hungarian M95 Styer mine and to my knowledge was one of the last 100 off the production lines in 1918 with has the Austrian coat of arms on it. My fathers has an M95 Styer with the Hungarian coat of arms on it.

[@Cherb123456]

Thank you!

[@gix47]

so complex but so much thought was put into them

[@Ekib-Niatnuom]

Fascinating! Yet another layer of TGW revealed. Applause, Applause, Applause!

[@YoeriKarting365]

Love these uniforms and the empire!

[@ivanenchev3823]

They were so stylish and diverse.

[@Lugi515]

Austro-Hungarian uniforms!!!!!!!! Thanks for that video.

[@steven_003]

I've waited so long for this! :D

[@TheJohnGent1]

Fascinated by all things related to the Austrian Empire/Austria-Hungary

[@nickey3633]

The Berndorf Helmet looks fresh

[@weltvonalex]

We keept the Gold for Officers in Austria. White for non nco's , Gold for officers and ........... for the Spieß / Vize Leutnant white gold. Because he is the highest non officer but still below the lowest officer. Great video and as always good job!

[@Rocketrollrebel]

I see a great opportunity for "Tannenberg" A-H squad variations.

[@jederstein9090]

Hi Indy and team, question for out of the trenches: I am of Belorussian descent and would like to know more about their role in the war, what major battles were they involved in and was independence promised to them by any country/countries if they promised to fight a certain enemy like what was proposed to Poland by Germany and Austria? Love the show, keep up the great content.

[@CaptainHarlock-kv4zt]

to win or loose is not important but to do it with style.thats the way

[@Alopex1]

Gotta say, the Austro-Hungarian uniforms look really nice. Some of the smartest uniforms of any faction in the war.

[@blablabla1044]

Can we get a video on Bosnia?

[@natkojurdana9673]

Since comments on video about Croatia in WW1 are disabled, I thank you here Indy. Unfortunatly the wider public here in Croatia have forgotten about sacrifices of our great-grandfathers. Partly because of traumas of the 1990's ex-Yugoslav wars but mostly beacuse we are living in perpetual reinterpretation of WW2. I guess we just can't handle the burden of our 20 century history. Even our victories have a taste of defeat (and that goes for all ex-Yu nations).

[@thekrakenbows7247]

Im from Poland and my great great grandpa who was also from Poland was an officer in the Austro-Hungarian army 3 star during ww1, we dont know what happened to him after the war😥😥😥😥

[@milanurbancic1032]

In war you just have to be beautiful

[@MirejeLenoir4670]

Such an interesting subject !

[@raygiordano1045]

4:35 This is probably the second time in 40 years that I ever heard "hob nailed boots" not used as part of an insult.

[@Abuamina001]

Fascinating stuff.

[@oreradivojevic837]

Fun fact... Year was 1914 during first AH invasion on Serbia. KundK troupes took town of Šabac on banks of Sava river. This was huge both on Serbian and Austrian side. After taking of town AH command ordered one battalion to move out towards near countryside. That battalion was appoint to show all Imperial might, and there was even detachment of military music with them. In tight parade formation, with music, banners and other insignia battalion went to show "AH culture to Serbian people and to put fear into Serbian army" (official called lousy brigands by AH command!!!). So they moved forward as if they were on barracks grounds. Infantry officers were on horses like on parade, and NCO went trough lines inspecting soldiers gear and uniforms. Few of them were brought out of line and they were send to Šabac to receive punishment because they have unbutton, dirty or bad uniforms/gear. AH command observed everything from Šabac with huge sens of pride. But also that parade was noticed by Serbian battalion in field near town. Serbian troops appear from their hideouts bat they started to run on first AH command to fire. Battalion continued forward and officers from Šabac were sure that whole Serbian campaign will be like this. Serbian battalion had run away from field but they took cover in hedge out of looks of Imperial army. In that hedge there was no infantry trench, but combined line of infantry and field artillery. When enemy was in range of small arms Serbian artillery start shooting rapid grapeshot (canister shot) and infantrymen start trowing for Austrians the most deeded weapon of Serbian army - hand grenades. Whole AH battalion whit music was obliterated in few seconds and only guys who survived was those poor fellows send to Šabac to receive punishment for having bad uniforms! This case was well documented by AH general Alfred Krauss in his book Reasons of our defeat (Die Ursachen unserer Niederlage in German) published by himself in Munich during early '20. He stated that command put up more effort to drill and uniforms than to actual fighting.

[@JerehmiaBoaz]

The German "Hecht" means pike, as in the fish.

[@geribassist]

from what I know, FJI stands for Franz Josef der Erste (Franz Joseph I). great video nevertheless!

[@abu-hureraali4531]

yes it does

[@Modern.Millennial]

It could have the dual meaning of Ist and Imperator, given both are Latin, and given the dual nature of the Empire.

[@geribassist]

true. I know for a fact that the Hungarian version IFJ stands for I. Ferenc József (Franz Joseph I in Hungarian). but Imperator is also possible.

[@garypulliam3740]

The "I" does not stand for "first". It means "Imperador" ... Emperor in Latin.

[@garypulliam3740]

@@abu-hureraali4531 No.

[@matfejpatrusin4550]

Folk song from Southern-Hungary "Azt hittem, hogy nem kellek katonának Gondját viselem az édes anyámnak De már látom katonának kell lennem Ferenc Jóska csákóját kell viselni. De már látom katonának kell lennem Ferenc Jóska csákóját kell viselni." "I thought I won't be needed in the army So I can care for my dear mother But I see now I have to be a soldier Have to wear the cap of Franz Joe But I see now I have to be a soldier Have to wear the cap of Franz Joe"

[@daglatem]

Can you please do an episode about italian uniforms?

[@TheGreatWar]

Nothing planned yet, but you can help us with the research if you want, just drop us a message on Facebook

[@gotfreid]

My grandfather or nagyapa fought in the first world war on the side of Austria Hungary. I remember looking at a picture of him in uniform by the TV at my grandparents house when I was a kid. He fought on the Italian front. He was shot in the throat and sent to an experimental hospital that may have saved him from being disabled. He was sent back to the front line but he walked home instead and ate many palacsintas (egg pancakes like a crepe or blintz). He did not talk to my father about the war much. I think he hated it. It is easy to see why. He and his wife came to the United States after the war because of the revolution and continued fighting after the war,

[@ZoltanMarossy]

Surprised he made it out the front lines

[@katyusha1527]

always loves the austrians in history.. great to see more infos about them in WWI as they r always ignored..

[@bellingdog]

Thank you Indy for using metric!

[@WildBillCox13]

All that colorful piping and uniform cloth was wonderfully useful to Wellington or Napoleon, for, as the units passed in marching order on their way to the line, the general would instantly know which sort of fighting unit you were. "451st Grenadiers on the Left! 500th Grenadiers on the Right! Medical corps set up your camp behind the 500th!" Once we stopped using the square the need for so much color sort of drifted off into "camouflage is better" land.

[@w00tnes]

Yay, Slovenia got mentioned :)

[@PrimozBracic]

yes, with a lie ..