SPECIAL FORMATION OF PARTISAN DETACHMENTS

ˈSpecial Forˈmation of ˈPartiˈsan Deˈtachments (SFPD, AZPA)

Temporary formation of partisan detachments during the Great Patriotic War.

It was organised in the territory of Baranavichy Voblasc in August 1942 at the instance of commanders of partisan detachments V. V. Shcharbina, I. A. Zhukaviets, I. P. Kuznetsov and others. The headquarters of the united detachments was formed [from October 1942, the SFPD (AZPA) abbreviation was used] which coordinated reconnaissance and sabotage actions of partisan detachments on the Minsk — Baranavichy, Minsk — Maladziechna — Lida, Baranavichy — Lida railway sections. General leadership was conducted by commander of the Sabotage and Reconnaissance Detachment (which was considered the lead detachment) V. V. Shcharbina (died on September 23, 1942).

At first, the SFPD united the Sabotage and Reconnaissance Detachment under V. V. Shcharbina (since October 1942, Dzima Detachment, see in the article Partisan Detachment under V. V. Shcharbina), 125th J. V. Stalin, V. I. Chapaev, 620th (later I. P. Kuznetsov), V. Z. Brajew, A. Svientarzhetski, 621st (later V. P. Chkalov) detachments of Baranavichy Voblasc; the S. M. Budennyj Detachment of Viliejka Voblasc; the Shturm (assault) Detachment of Minsk Voblasc. The SFPD after extended its influence to all detachments based in the pushchas of Naliboki and Lipichanka. Since November 1942, most of the detachments that were part of the SFPD were united into the J. V. Stalin, V. P. Chkalov, Lienin brigades of Baranavichy Voblasc; the Shturmavaja (attack) Brigade of Minsk Voblasc; the M. V. Frunze Brigade of Viliejka Voblasc.

In connection with the relocation of the head of the Dzima Detachment to Lagojsk Rajon of Minsk Voblasc in December 1942, the SFPD lost the opportunity to coordinate the activities of partisan brigades and independently operating detachments of Baranavichy Voblasc and was disbanded in July 1943. Later, these brigades and detachments joined the Baranavichy and Viliejka Partisan formations.

Commander of the lead detachment V. V. Shcharbina was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.