Gyorshadtest

The corps was not particularly mechanized when compared to similar units fielded by countries like Germany or the Soviet Union.

The necessary engineering, communication, and supply troops enabled the motorized brigades to perform as independent tactical units.

In reality, it was not very effective against the more modern equipped Soviet motorized or tank corps, especially later in the war.

Because of the military leadership's wish to see the Hungarian troops in action as soon as possible, the mechanized corps was ordered to begin its march-up before completing mobilization.

Cars and trucks requisitioned for military operations failed to arrive on time at the mobilization stations.

The Hungarians were to deny the Soviets any opportunity to launch a counter-attack against the right flank of the advancing German 17th Army.

By 9 July, elements of the "Carpathian Group" had pushed the stoutly-resisting Soviet forces back and penetrated Russian territory to a depth of 60–70 miles.

For this reason, Colonel-General Henrik Werth, the Hungarian Chief of Staff, dissolved the "Carpathian Group".

The Mobile Corps advanced with the German 17th Army, later the 1st Panzer Group, against the Soviet Southwestern Front.

Henrik Werth, the pro-German Chief of Staff, was replaced on 5 September 1941 by Colonel-General Ferenc Szombathelyi.

However, the commander of the "Rapid Corps", Major General Bela Dalnoki-Miklos, did make an independent decision on at least one occasion.

Making this decision, forced Dalnoki-Miklos to disobey direct orders from Field Marshal von Rundstedt.

On 19 October 1941, after the Battle of Kiev, General Carl-Heinrich von Stülpnagel's German 17th Army was advancing through Poltava towards Voroshilovgrad.

As a result, a superior Soviet force was neutralized and the road to Voroshilovgrad was opened up for the continuation of the German advance.

The German General Staff (Oberkommando des Heeres) had high praise for the outstanding achievements and tactical victories of the Hungarian mechanized corps.

[citation needed] The mechanized corps fought for five months in a long campaign and covered over 1,000 miles of territory.

[2] The withdrawal of the Hungarian mechanized corps did not mean the end of Hungary's military participation in the war.

On 7 September 1941, at Hitler's invitation, Admiral Horthy visited German headquarters to negotiate what this participation would be.

Horthy was accompanied by Minister-President László Bárdossy, General Szombathelyi, and Counselor to the Hungarian Embassy in Berlin, Andor Szentmiklosy.

In other words, Horthy would gain Hitler's consent to withdraw the "Rapid Corps" only in exchange for an even larger Hungarian force.