László Ocskay von Ocska (1680-1710)

László Ocskay von Ocska studied at the Jesuite College of Trnava. He soon entered in the hussar regiment of count János Pálffy (1664-1751) and participated in the war against Turkey under the command of Eugen of Savoy (1663-1736)



In 1703 he joined Francis II Rákóczi (1676-1735) in his war for the independence of Hungary and was soon promoted general, commanding an army of 6000 men. He became known for the speed of his military interventions but also for the cruelty of his troops, who looted the cities and villages which they occupied.

On August 28, 1709 a battle took place between the imperial armies commanded by Charles Pálffy and the Hungarian troops commanded by László Ocskay von Ocska. During the battle, László Ocskay von Ocska surrendered and swore allegiance to the emperor. This triggered other deffections from the Rákóczi camp.

Rákóczi swore revenge for the betrayal and put one of his commanders Ádám Jávorka (1683-1747) of hunting. Dressed as a beggar, Ádám Jávorka scouted the area of the estate owned by László Ocskay von Ocska was able to capture him upon his return.

László Ocskay von Ocska was sentenced to death for treason on January 2, 1710 and put to death the following day.