1. Biography of Hermann Kusmanek von Burgneustädten
2. Military Career
3. Commandant of Przemysl
4. First Siege of Przemysl
5. Second Siege of Przemysl
6. Surrender and Captivity
7. Legacy

Biography of Hermann Kusmanek von Burgneustädten

Early Life and Military Education

Hermann Kusmanek von Burgneustädten was born in 1860 in Austria-Hungary, into a military family. He graduated from the Theresian Military Academy and the Academy of the General Staff in 1884.

Military Career

Kusmanek served in the Main Military Archive from 1894. From 1903 to 1908, he was the Chief of the Bureau of the Minister of War. He subsequently commanded the 65th Infantry Brigade (1908-1910), the 3rd Infantry Division (1910-1911), and the 28th Infantry Division (1911-1914).

Commandant of Przemysl

In January 1914, Kusmanek was appointed Commandant of the fortress of Przemysl, a key stronghold in the San River defense line. The fortifications had been neglected in the years leading up to the war, so Kusmanek made extensive efforts to improve their condition before the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914.

First Siege of Przemysl

The fortress of Przemysl, with a perimeter of approximately 40 kilometers, consisted of 38 outer forts and 21 surrounding the central core. It was armed with over 1,000 cannons, though few were modern. The garrison included four Landsturm brigades and a march regiment, later reinforced by the 23rd Honvéd Division.

As Austrian-Hungarian forces retreated in September 1914, the evacuation of civilians began. Russian forces approached the fortress on September 17th. After the Russian command demanded its surrender on October 3rd, artillery fire commenced. Russian infantry launched attacks on October 5th, but all were repelled. When field armies approached the fortress on October 8th, the besiegers were forced to withdraw. The siege was lifted on October 9th.

Second Siege of Przemysl

Despite sustaining significant damage, the fortress remained under siege in November 1914. By this time, Kusmanek commanded the 23rd Infantry Division, the 85th Rifle Brigade, and four Landsturm brigades. With supplies dwindling, he attempted a breakout on March 5th, 1915, but failed.

Surrender and Captivity

On March 9th, 1915, after exhausting all ammunition and supplies, Kusmanek ordered the destruction of the fortress fortifications and bridges over the San River. He then signed the surrender of Przemysl. Russian forces captured nine generals, including Kusmanek, along with a vast number of officers and enlisted men.

Kusmanek was held as a prisoner of war until his release in February 1918. He returned to Austria-Hungary, but never received another command. He retired from military service in November 1918.

Legacy

Austrian propaganda celebrated Kusmanek as the "Lion of Przemysl." Despite his valiant defense of the fortress, he faced criticism for its eventual surrender. Nonetheless, his military career remains a testament to his leadership and determination in the face of adversity.

Commander