STORMBIRD

ˈStormbird (Sturmvogel)

Code name for the punitive operation of German Nazi invaders against partisans and the local population in Klimavichy Rajon, Magiliow Voblasc, on July 10–15, 1943, during the Great Patriotic War.

It was conducted by the commander of rear security of the 4th German Field Army, including the 624th Independent Eastern Battalion, 774th Battalion of the 96th Security Regiment, and the Order Police.

To the south of Studzianiec village, near the villages of Sasnowka and Antonawka, the punitive forces were stemmed and then counterattacked by the combat soldiers of the 13th Kasciukovichy Partisan Brigade. The population from the villages which were threatened by the Hitlerites was hidden in the depths of the partisan zone.

In the report to the high command, the leaders of the Stormbird punitive operation admitted its complete failure.