The Resistance Was Victorious at the Battle of Porytowe Wzgorze Despite Being Massively Outnumbered
The Battle of Porytowe Wzgorze took place on June 14, 1944, and it was one of the largest battles between an underground Resistance force and the German occupation forces in all of Europe. In the spring of 1944, numerous resistance groups were operating in the Lublin region, including the AK, the Bataliony Chlopskie, the National Military Organization, and the Armia Ludowa. They were pushed toward the West as the Germans advanced, but they continuously attacked German supply lines and convoys.
In response to the attacks by the partisans, the Germans created a plan of action they dubbed Storm-Wind. The Operation was to eliminate the underground forces from the Janow Forests. In mid-June, 3,000 Resistance fighters found themselves completely surrounded by a large number of German forces. 25,000 to 30,000 German troops were supported with artillery, tanks, armored cars, and air support. The Germans planned to end the Resistance in the area once and for all.
The Germans with all their support did manage to make two breaks in the defense, but it was short-lived as the lines were eventually driven back. The Germans managed to take a small section of forest that allowed them to constantly barrage the partisan troops with fire and inflict heavy casualties. It was on the night of June 14 that partisan forces were able to break out of the trap and reach the safety of the Sloska Wilderness. Against all odds, the partisans escaped after suffering 250 casualties. The Germans lost 495 soldiers along with German police forces and auxiliary forces.
While the Resistance did live to see another day, Storm-Wind II took effect at the end of June. This time operation Storm-Wind II culminated in the Battle of Oshuchy and did accomplish the goals of the Nazis. The local forces took 400 casualties and were defeated by the Germans.