Armed Forces: Traditional day and swearing-in of recruits of the engineer battalion 2
The traditional day and the swearing-in of 150 recruits for the October 2022 draft date took place in the Lehener Park with great participation from the population and from traditional associations and friends of the “Salzburg Pioneers”.
History of the traditional day
The traditional day of the Salzburg pioneers commemorates the outstanding achievements of the Imperial and Royal troops in the course of the Danube advance near Belgrade from October 5th to 8th, 1915 as well as their pioneering achievements in ferry operations and bridge building in the weeks that followed. The sapper forces used in the Battle of Belgrade were the 2nd, 3rd and 14th Sapper Battalions.
In view of the great achievements of the engineers, Field Marshal August von Mackensen, whose army group was tasked with opening the connection to the allied states of Bulgaria and Turkey, is said to have said: “The French, our enemies in the west, have the best artillery, we Germans have the best infantry, but you Austrians can boast of having the best engineers in the world!”
The commemoration of the pioneer battalion in Lehener Park goes back to the use of this area as a pioneer training ground. In 1899 the former Lehen barracks were opened, today the Christian-Doppler-Gymnasium is located in this building. This also included the practice area on the Salzach, which at that time was still far away from the residential areas of the city. Today only the monument to the pioneers and sappers is a reminder of this time, the Lehener Park is a local recreation area in the densely populated district of Lehen.
High-ranking guests
Lieutenant Colonel Klaus Rosenkranz was able to welcome numerous guests of honour, including Governor Wilfried Haslauer, the President of the Landtag Brigitta Pallauf, the members of the Federal Council Marlies Steiner-Wieser and David Egger-Kranzinger and the commander of the 6th Mountain Brigade, Brigadier Gerhard Pfeffer.
Lieutenant Colonel Rosenkranz emphasized: “We Salzburg pioneers, as one of five units of the 6th mountain brigade, proudly wear our troop insignia on the upper right arm of our uniform, which you, esteemed recruits, have already been awarded.”
As the military leader present, the commander of the 6th mountain brigade opened the ceremony by pacing the front. In his speech, Brigadier Pfeifer thanked the soldiers for choosing the path of military service. “My young comrades, who were sworn in today! I wish you the realization that your service is an engine to give Austria and its citizens security, protection and help. Above all, I wish you all the best for your future service and like it is with us means good luck soldiers!”
“Regardless of your function, your readiness for action will help ensure that the Austrian Armed Forces are in a position to ensure security and peace and to be ready to deal with disasters. We need you, Austria needs you,” emphasized Governor Wilfried Haslauer in his language.
“I vow!”
The recruits’ pledge of allegiance resounded loudly through Lehen and was an impressive testament to the willingness of the young recruits to assume civic responsibility.
After the swearing-in ceremony, a wreath was handed over from pioneer boats in the Salzach, with which the fallen, injured and deceased comrades of the pioneer battalion 2 and the traditional association the kuk sapper battalion 14 was commemorated. The wreath was handed over to the Salzach to the sounds of military music and ended the ceremony.