Corvin Lane, Budapest, 1956

Corvin Lane was in a strategically excellent location. From here one could control both the Boulvard and the long and wide Üllői Road from where attacks could be expected.

To the narrow lane surrounded by blocks of houses, in contrast, it was difficult to enter with tanks. There were an underground canteen in a neighboring street where revolutionaries were fed, and a gas station was also nearby.

Further, Corvin Lane was just opposite to Kilián Barrack of the Hungarian Army (to the right). On 23 October civil protesters entered the barracks looking for rifles. Then and in the following days soldiers, who were themselves divided, and revolutionaries repeatedly clashed.

Cooperation was not smooth: Officers of the revolutionaries and the barracks did not trust each other. The revolutionary forces were also divided by internal power struggles.

By that time, however, Corvin Laners established their fame: they successfully fought the Soviet tanks and assault guns in the early hours of 28 October. By making advantage of their well-choosen position and the force of surprise, revolutionaries could manage to destroy or capture several Soviet assault guns.

From 4 November, when Soviet troops started their second, more powerful assault, Corvin Laners fought bravely, but could not resist long to the military action named "Tornado." Still, without their contribution the Hungarian Revolution could have had a different, and much shorter, story.