Build-up of the Hungarian Royal Army (1938-1939)
1938
First, the domestic policy was moved towards Central Planning, and Lajos Reményi-Schneller was appointed as Armaments Minister.
Lajos Reményi-Schneller, the new Armaments Minister - 1st January, 1938
The beginning of February brought defeat to the Nationalists in Spain, which was united under Republican rule. The support from Germany and Italy proved not to be enough.
The fear of the clash fo the Eagle and the Bear drifted away a bit when Stalin executed a purge in the Soviet general staff. This was good news for the axis: it was unlikely that SU would attack with a new, inexperienced staff.
The Western Democracies sat and watched Germany annex Austria on 17th March, 1938. The democracies had not suspected that there was more to come in September: the Suedetenland was occupied by Germany and millions of ethnic Germans celebrated the return to their motherland. The only thing England and France had done is to gear-up for war. The German Empire was now huge and strong: having annexed Poland, Austria and Sudetenland, and having a prospering Hungary as ally.
Cetral Europe after the Anschluss and annexation of the Suedetenland - 30th September, 1938
Hungary started putting effort into army building. A Semi-Motorized Cavalry "Huszár" Corps was set up, consisting of 3 divisions. The government realized that wherever the next conflict would be (SU, Yugoslavia or Rumania) there is need for elite, mountain divisions - 2 mountain divisions were set up during the year. Most of the infantry divisions were modernized to '39 models.
Another important area was the air force. Hungary decided to set up a strong fighter airforce with modern aircrafts in the next few years. This year an interceptor wing was set up, consisting of the Re2000 licensed Héja models.
The Héja, a model based on the Italian Re2000*
The Hungarian scientists were doing their best in 1938: Basic Infantry, Basic Light Tank, Basic Interceptor, Basic Fighter, Basic Close Air Support, Advanced Machine Tools, Advanced Construction, Delay Doctrine, Mobile Defense Doctrine, Battlefield Destruction Doctrine and Operational Destruction Doctrine were put into practice.
1938
On 1st January the domestic policy was moved towards Hawk Lobby.
March was marked with huge successes of German foreign policy. The 15th meant the end of Czechoslovakia: the western part had become part of Germany and the independent Slovakia, having only a single province, Zilina, was created. Slovakia joined the Axis. On 24th Lithuania caved into German demands and let them annex Memel. England and France geared-up for war, but no serious action was taken. Germany celebrated the achievement of its diplomats.
Cental Europe after the End of Czechoslovakia and acquisition of Memel - 24th March, 1939
On March 26th, after giving an ultimatum, Italy DOWed Albania. It was no sooner than 24th April when Albania was annexed. There were no counter-measures from the major powers.
The Axis diplomacy was shocked when on 9th June Japan and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact. The SU having their eastern borders secured were now focusing on Europe. The Soviets were heavily re-inforcing their western borders. The clash between SU and the Axis seemed inevitable. The shadow of communism was approaching the Old Continent.
Surprisingly the Russians picked a weaker opponent - Finland. The Winter War started on 17th November. The Axis sympathized with the small country, but did not effectively intervene.
The following technologies were developed during the year: Basic Motorized Infantry, Improved Light Tank, Basic Medium Tank, Basic Naval Bomber, Production Control, Production Planning, Stand Off Doctrine, Dive Bombing Doctrine, Direct Ground Support Doctrine, Bomber Veteran Doctrine and Battlefield Interdiction Doctrine.
From this year on it was perfectly clear for Hungary that it would wage war soon. Airfield buildings started in Kárpátalja (Presov) for a possible war against the SU or Rumania. 2 interceptor wings were built to protect Hungary's air. The army set up 2 mountain divisions, 6 garrison divisions and a motorized division. The first Hungarian tank division was in production.
By the end of the year the Hungarian Royal Army had 9 '39 infantry, 6 mountain, 3 semi-motorized cavalry, 6 garrison and 1 motorized infantry division. 9 divisions had engineer and all garrisons had police brigades. The air force consisted of 4 interceptor and 1 tactical bomber wing. The government was convinced that these units would see battle next year...
Economic figures of Hungary 1936-1939
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Photo borrowed from www.bibl.u-szeged.hu.
