In 1788 the austrian army attacked itself and lost 10 000 men

In 1788, the Austrian Army Engaged in a Battle Against Itself, Resulting in the Loss of 10,000 Men

The Battle of Karansebes in 1788 goes down in history as one of the most bizarre military engagements. It is a unique event where an army, instead of fighting the enemy, ended up battling itself, resulting in significant casualties. The Austrian army, known for its discipline and strategic prowess, lost approximately 10,000 men during this chaotic and unforeseen self-inflicted conflict.

The incident took place in the small village of Karansebes, which is currently located in Romania. At the time, the Austrian military was engaged in the Austro-Turkish War (1787-1791), fought mainly between the Austrian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. In an attempt to secure strategic control over the region, the Austrian army had set up camp near Karansebes.

One evening, a group of Austrian soldiers encountered a band of Roma gypsies selling schnapps, a popular alcoholic beverage. The soldiers eagerly engaged in purchasing and consuming liquor, and soon the atmosphere was filled with merriment and intoxicated laughter. However, the joviality quickly deteriorated into an unfortunate series of events that would lead to a catastrophic outcome.

As the night grew darker, new troops arrived at the campsite. These reinforcements were unaware of the alcohol-induced revelry occurring just a short distance away. When they came across the merry-making soldiers, a communication breakdown occurred, exacerbated by language barriers and the darkness of the night.

Unable to comprehend the situation, the newly arrived troops assumed that they were under attack from the enemy Ottoman forces. In a panic, they opened fire upon their own comrades, causing instant chaos. The soldiers who had been enjoying the festivities responded with counterfire, convinced that they were under assault from the Ottoman army.

The mayhem rapidly spread through the camp. Officers struggled to restore order, shouting commands that were drowned out by the sounds of gunfire and the ensuing pandemonium. Soldiers began to flee in disarray, trampling over one another in a desperate attempt to escape the perceived threat. The confusion magnified, and fear intensified, leading to a spiraling cycle of violence.

By the time the chaos subsided, approximately 10,000 soldiers had perished, either from direct combat or from the resulting stampede that followed. The Austrian army, already outnumbered by the Ottoman forces it was supposed to confront, had inflicted significant damage upon itself, weakening its position even further.

This unprecedented incident serves as a striking reminder of the importance of clear communication and the disastrous consequences that can arise from misunderstandings, particularly in the high-pressure environment of war. The Battle of Karansebes will forever be etched in history as a peculiar and tragic event, reminding us of the fragile nature of human decision-making and the potential for catastrophic outcomes in times of conflict.

Source: World Atlas