The dwindiling German and Hungarian military pressed into service all available units, including these Hungarian gendarmes ordered to fight in these small and outdated Ansaldo tankettes.

BUDAPEST SIEGE: Ansaldo Tankettes

Both Waffen SS cavalry units and Hungarian hussars introduced about 30,000 horses into the defensive ring established at Budapest. Because these soldiers fought as infantry units, many of their horses got loose, roaming the streets even after the siege. But a higher number were consumed by the besieged soldiers and civilians alike.

BUDAPEST SIEGE: Loose Cavalry Horses 

Many residents of Budapest volunteered to fight, including these two railway workers, wearing their black service uniforms, moving a heavy machine gun into position.