The most audacious hussar feat in history!

Unnoticed, all the way to Berlin

Ever heard of a military feat so bold it sounds like something out of a swashbuckling movie? Meet Count András Hadik, a Hungarian hussar officer whose daring raid on Berlin in 1757 became the stuff of legend – and gave the Prussian King, Frederick the Great, a major headache!

From Priest-in-Training to Military Hero

Born in 1710 into a Hungarian noble family, András Hadik initially studied to be a priest. But adventure called, and he soon joined the Austrian army, quickly making a name for himself. By the time the Seven Years’ War rolled around, Hadik was ready for his show-stopping moment.

The Unbelievable Dash to Berlin

Imagine this: in October 1757, with a relatively small force of a few thousand hussars (estimates vary, but not a massive army!) and a handful of cannons, Hadik embarked on an audacious mission. His target? Berlin, the capital of Prussia, a whopping 450 kilometers behind enemy lines!

How did they do it?

* Stealth Mode: Hadik’s men marched by night, resting and hiding during the day to avoid detection.
* Lightning Speed: They covered this huge distance in just six days – an incredible average of 70-80 kilometers daily! To achieve this, Hadik cleverly had his infantry ride on wagons.

Berlin’s Surprise Visitors

When Hadik’s hussars suddenly appeared outside Berlin, the city was caught completely off guard. They demanded a hefty ransom. At first, the city officials scoffed, not believing the threat. Bad move! Hadik cleverly arranged his troops to look like a much larger force and let his cannons do the talking, quickly breaching a city gate. The small Prussian garrison was overwhelmed.

The Ransom and a Cheeky Gift

Hadik levied a massive ransom on Berlin. While the city scrambled to collect the money (deliberately taking their time), Hadik knew he couldn’t linger with Prussian reinforcements on their way. After securing a significant sum (215,000 thalers – a fortune back then!), which he generously shared with his soldiers, he prepared to leave.

But not without a legendary parting shot! He spared the citizens and maintained strict discipline, taking only six Prussian flags and, as a personal, rather cheeky „gift” for Empress Maria Theresa of Austria: two dozen pairs of ladies’ gloves, embroidered with Berlin’s coat of arms.

Legend has it the Berliners, in a last act of defiance, made all the gloves for the left hand! The Empress reportedly found this hilarious.

This daring escapade, lasting only a day in the city itself, was a huge embarrassment for Frederick the Great, one of Europe’s most famous military minds. He could only watch helplessly as Hadik’s hussars made their swift getaway, even managing to collect another tribute from Frankfurt on the Oder on their way out! Amazingly, Hadik’s force suffered minimal losses.

A Career Like No Other

This „huszárcsíny” (a classic, daring hussar feat) made Hadik world-famous. Empress Maria Theresa was thrilled, showering him with honors, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa, promotion to general, vast estates, and the title of Count.
Hadik wasn’t just a brilliant cavalry commander. He went on to have an unprecedented career, serving as a military governor, a commander-in-chief in Transylvania (where he notably proposed reforms to improve the lives of serfs), and eventually President of the Court War Council – the highest military body in the Empire. 

Remembering Hadik Today

Count András Hadik’s incredible life and his legendary raid on Berlin showcase the daring spirit and skill of Hungarian hussars. His story continues to capture imaginations, so much so that a major Hungarian film, „Hadik,” was released in 2023, bringing these historic events to the big screen.
So, as you explore the rich history of Hungary and Central Europe, remember the tale of András Hadik – the hussar who dared to take on a king and give Berlin a day it would never forget!