The Hungarian Gendarmerie, known as the Csendőrség, was responsible for the public safety and the maintenance of law and order in rural Hungary from its formation in 1881 until its dissolution at the end of WWII. The Csendőrség was a small force of about 11,000 enlisted men and officers, which was increased to 22,000 during the course of the Second World War to meet the needs of the reclaimed territories and to help reinforce the heavy losses sustained by the regular army (Honvédség). Whether in peacetime or in wartime, the Csendőrs fulfilled their duties according to their motto, “Híven, Becsülettel, Vitézül” (faithfully, honorably, valiantly). The site offers information about the Royal Gendarmerie: pictures, documents, literature, references and links.

Leave a Reply