The 170-year anniversary of the Hungarian Defence Forces was celebrated in 2018. The MoD Military Institute and Museum prepared a temporary exhibition for the remarkable anniversary, which tells the story of those 170 years focusing on the main events and outstanding artefacts of this period.The exhibition is divided into five periods: from 1848 to 1868; from 1868 to 1918; from 1918 to 1945; from 1945 to 1990 and finally from 1990 to today. Each part is accompanied by a certain uniform and flag that represent the period. The era of 1848 is represented by a Hungarian rifles lieutenant. Rifles were selected and trained for special warfare therefore they can be considered as the forerunner of today’s special forces. The Hungarian infantry flag is also linked to this era. The Hungarian Defence Forces were reestablished in 1868, after the Austro-Hungarian Compromise and it is symbolized by a hussar which at the same time represents the ‘most Hungarian’ army branch. The figure of an artillery sergeant is related to the Hungarian artillery which was established in 1913, but the insignia on his dress uniform reflect battlefield experience, and therefore this figure symbolises the Great War. The M1868 Hungarian regimental standard is related to the era of both the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and the First World War. The M1938 regimental flag and the uniform of a Royal Hungarian Air Force corporal symbolises the so-called Horthy era and the Second World War. The period from 1945 to 1990 is characterised by a sailor’s uniform from the Hungarian People’s Army 46th Gunboat Brigade because that was the most popular uniform in this era. The Revolution of 1956 is symbolised by a M1950 regimental standard from which the hated Rákosi coat-of-arms was cut our during the revolutionary events. The present era is characterised by a military police private in its new M2015 uniform along with the currently used M1990 regimental colour. The main attraction of the exhibition is the Wall of Heroes where the military careers and merits of six particular soldiers are shown.
