Battles & Campaigns · 1914–1915
Siege of Przemyśl
Przemyśl, Poland
What happened
Russian forces surrounded the great fortress of Przemyśl in the autumn of 1914. An Austro-Hungarian advance briefly lifted the siege, but it began again in November and attempts to break it over the winter failed. With food running out, the garrison surrendered on 22 March 1915.
Why it matters
Its fall was a heavy blow to Austria-Hungary. The Habsburg army never fully recovered and came to depend on German help.
What came next
Central Powers forces retook the damaged fortress in June 1915, and in 1918 Przemyśl became part of newly independent Poland.
Did you know?
Letters and postcards left the surrounded city by aeroplane, balloon and even pigeon.
Timeline
- 16 Sep 1914First siege begins.
- 11 Oct 1914The siege is lifted.
- 10 Nov 1914Second siege begins.
- 22 Mar 1915The garrison surrenders.
- 3 Jun 1915Central Powers retake Przemyśl.