Born: 1899 (Bad Reichenhall, Upper Bavaria, Germany)
Died: 1979 (Salzburg, Austria)
Biography:
Viktoria Savs (27 June 1899 in Bad Reichenhall – 31 December 1979 in Salzburg) was a remarkable individual who served in the Austro-Hungarian Army during the First World War disguised as a man. She was one of two known female soldiers on the Austrian front lines, the other being Stephanie Hollenstein. Viktoria’s dedication, bravery, and commitment to her country made her a true heroine and a symbol of determination in the face of adversity.
Viktoria Savs was born on 27 June 1899 in Bad Reichenhall, Upper Bavaria, Germany. Tragically, her mother passed away in 1904, leaving Viktoria and her three younger sisters in the care of their father, Peter Savs. The family eventually settled in Arco, Trentino, near Lake Garda. Just before the outbreak of the First World War, Peter, who was a master shoemaker, moved the family to Obermais (Merano).
When the war began, Peter was called into military service as a Kaiserjäger in 1914 and was later wounded in 1915 on the Russian front in Galicia. During his recovery at home, sixteen-year-old Viktoria approached him with a fervent plea to allow her to enlist. Despite attempting to dissuade her, Peter ultimately decided to volunteer for the Austro-Hungarian Landsturm, a militia comprising troops deemed too young or too old for regular military service. On 10 June 1915, Viktoria enlisted alongside her father, assuming the name Viktor and concealing her true gender from all but a few superior officers. Both father and daughter were assigned to a Standschützen battalion at Lavarone.
Viktoria served as an unarmed trainee for over a year, yearning to participate in combat. Desperate to serve on the Italian front, she reached out to the Archduke Eugen of Austria and requested a transfer, which was granted in December 1916.
Once on the front lines, Viktoria quickly showcased her talents, particularly as a guide for pack animals and as a skilled messenger on skis. She was soon assigned as an orderly to a captain and participated in combat operations at the Drei Zinnen. In a daring attack against Italian positions in the Sexten Dolomites (Sasso di Sesto) on 11 April 1917, Viktoria led a group of 20 captured Italians behind the Austrian lines, all under enemy artillery fire. Her bravery and exemplary leadership earned her the Medal for Bravery in bronze and later in silver, as well as the Karl Troop Cross.
Viktor became renowned for volunteering for dangerous assignments, displaying a fearlessness and determination that inspired her fellow soldiers. On 27 May 1917, she volunteered to carry a crucial message up a treacherous mountain slope amid heavy enemy fire. Sadly, during this mission, she sustained a severe injury, and her biological sex was discovered, leading to the end of her military career.
After being hospitalized, Viktoria Savs returned to civilian life, forever marked by her experiences on the battlefield. She was awarded several medals for her dedication, courage, and willingness to sacrifice for her country. Her astounding achievements and remarkable story made her known as the Heroine of the Drei Zinnen.
Viktoria Savs’ unwavering commitment to serving her country broke down gender barriers and paved the way for future generations of women seeking to contribute to their nations in times of conflict. Her courage and resilience continue to inspire and serve as a testament to the significant role that women played in history.
Awards:
– Medal for Bravery (bronze)
– Medal for Bravery (silver)
– Karl Troop Cross