1/ THE HUNGARIAN REVOLUTION, DAY 14
69 years ago today, Soviet troops had deposed the pro-democracy government of Hungary and were wiping out every remaining pocket of armed resistance. But Hungarian revolutionaries were still fighting back desperately against overwhelming odds.
2/ As the Hungarian Revolution enters its second week, the Soviet Army has effectively neutralised the Hungarian Army and crushed much of the resistance to its invasion of Hungary. Hungarian revolutionary fighters and some soldiers continue to fight on in Budapest and elsewhere.
3/ The revolutionaries are holding onto a handful of positions in central Budapest, including Corvin Square, Moszkva Square (the present-day Széll Kálmán Square), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building. They fight on in the desperate hope of Western intervention.
4/ This, however, never comes – the West is distracted by the simultaneous Suez Crisis and has no wish to start a war with the Soviet Union over Hungary. Despite many calls for intervention, the Soviets have a free hand to crush the Hungarian Revolution.
5/ The Soviets use heavy artillery to bombard the revolutionary positions, heedless of the damage and civilian casualties. By 9 pm, the Corvin Cinema is on fire and the remaining Hungarian fighters are holed up in the basement of the burning building.
6/ Elsewhere, soldiers, revolutionaries and workers in the industrial suburb of Csepel have created an effective stronghold on the island district, guarded by well-positioned anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns. They are able to inflict serious damage on the Soviets.
7/ Scattered fighting also takes place in other areas of Hungary, although in many areas the local revolutionary workers' councils advise fighters not to resist in the face of overwhelming Soviet strength. Groups of young fighters slip into the forests to continue resistance.
8/ As the day ends, Budapest's streets are silent apart from patrolling Soviet troops, who have orders to shoot on sight anyone who violates the curfew. A few revolutionary-held radio stations continue to broadcast appeals for help, but they are being silenced one by one.
9/ (To be continued tomorrow.)
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