Tűzkereszt means “Fire Cross”, a Hungarian military decoration awarded for front-line combat service between 1941 and 1943.

Hungarian Military History Archive

An online archive preserving Hungarian and Austro-Hungarian military history through original photographs, awards, documents, and research material.

ESTABLISHED 2010

2016-06-09

Life in the military

"Life in the Military" – a series of humorous military-themed postcards illustrated by the Hungarian artist László Bihary. Combining wit with keen observation, Bihary captured the lighter side of military service, depicting the everyday situations, personalities, and mishaps familiar to generations of soldiers.

Humorous postcards such as these were popular during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, providing both entertainment and a light-hearted reflection on military life. They were often exchanged among soldiers, sent home to family and friends, or collected as souvenirs, offering a welcome contrast to the discipline and routine of army service.

Through his charming illustrations, László Bihary reminds us that even within the structured world of military life, there was always room for humor, camaraderie, and a smile.