The failed Hungarian siege of Szenttamás boosted Serbian insurgent morale and prolonged the Serb uprising within the Hungarian War of Independence.
Key Facts
- Date
- 19 August 1848
- Hungarian commander
- Lieutenant General Fülöp Bechtold
- Serbian commander
- Captain Petar Biga
- Outcome
- Hungarian siege repulsed; Serbian victory
- Conflict context
- Hungarian War of Independence 1848–1849
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Hungarian War of Independence of 1848–1849, Serbian insurgents in the South Bačka region fortified their encampment at Szenttamás and Turia. Tensions between Hungarian forces and the Serb uprising prompted a second Hungarian attempt to break Serbian resistance at this stronghold.
On 19 August 1848, Hungarian forces under Lieutenant General Fülöp Bechtold attempted to besiege the Serbian fortified encampment at Szenttamás. The Hungarians failed to keep their plans secret, allowing the Serbs under Captain Petar Biga to prepare defenses. Poor communication between Hungarian commanders and incorrect troop placement further undermined the assault.
The Hungarian siege was repulsed, resulting in a Serbian victory. This outcome raised Serbian morale significantly and encouraged the insurgents to continue and expand their revolt against Hungarian authority in the region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Fülöp Bechtold.
Side B
1 belligerent
Petar Biga.