Budapest offensive

The Budapest offensive of World War II was an Allied campaign to capture Budapest, the capital of Hungary.

Background

Hungary tried to exit the war but Hitler had Skorzeny kidnap Admiral Horthy's son and made him resign.

By the end of 1944, Soviet troops had taken much of Hungary and were closing in on the capital.

Battle

Soviets tried to capture the city quickly, without any pause to prepare a proper offensive. The Germans were able to dig in and repel the initial assault.

The Soviets regrouped and consolidated nearby gains including Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

After several months the Soviet offensive methodically wore out the defenders, encircled Budapest, and then finally captured the city.

Aftermath

A German offensive to recapture Budapest in spring 1945 failed.