In the besieged fortress Przemyśl (1914/1915) — in the light of memories and diaries

Abstract

From the autumn months of 1914 until the capitulation in March 1915, Przemyśl was the place of large military operations as a result of which both armies suffered enormous losses. At the beginning of 1915 it was clear that in the coming future, it will not be possible to help the besieged fortress. The city in the state of siege, apart from soldiers, was inhabited by civilians, who experienced the hardship of everyday existence. The authors of cited dairies focus on the complete lack of respect for other people’s property, the feeling of impunity among soldiers of lower ranks and immoderate accusations of treason. The accounts describe also the reactions of people during plane bombing attacks. Wherever possible, the soldiers obtained food rations, while civilians had to strive for food every day and to share small portions among themselves. The inhabitants of the fortress had to suffer bigger and bigger costs for the sake of their defenders. They were tormented by searches of apartments and the confiscations of food rations. The last days in the besieged city constituted the limit of endurance both for the soldiers and the civilian population.