MILITARY DISTRICT "HOVERLIA" OF THE UKRAINIAN INSURGENT ARMY DURING THE GERMAN OCCUPATION (1943-1944)

Abstract

For the first time, the article describes the formation and activities of the military district of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UIA) "Hoverlia" in the territory of the Stanislav region during the German occupation. It is shown that the military district started to be created in December 1943, at the same time Ivan Beleiovych-"Dzvinchuk" was appointed its first commander. The "Hoverlia" military district was formed based on the Ukrainian People's Self-Defense (UNS), which worked in the Stanislav region's territory during 1943, thus showing that it is a continuation of the Ukrainian liberation movement in the Stanislav region. The "Hoverlia" military district was being built on the territory where the underground OUN network operated for a long time. Therefore, the military district could rely on it if necessary. The "Hoverlia" military district was subordinate to the UIA-West General Military District, that is, to execute its orders. It is shown that according to orders and instructions issued by the UIA-West Regional Military Staff, the "Hoverlia" military district had to build its headquarters, set up a printing business, set up lines of communication, prepare reserve camps for UIA departments, and establish lines, delivering insurgent supplies, providing the insurgents with weapons, ammunition, food, and clothes. All the disunited OUN members had to go to the UIA and be trained there; the insurgent ranks had to be cleared of unreliable elements. The UIA divisions had to control the Carpathian and Subcarpathian forests. The formation and number of "sotnias" and "kurins" of the UIA are shown. Particular attention is paid to the UIA officers' and sub-officers' schools where recruits were trained, the programs for ordinary soldiers, and candidates for officers and sub-commanders. Special attention was paid to German and Hungarian occupation forces in the territory of the Stanislav region. The fight of Ukrainian insurgents against German and Hungarian troops, red partisans, and Soviet paratroopers is covered. Keywords: Military district of UIA "Hoverlia", UIA, UNS, German invaders, Hungarian troops, red partisans, Soviet paratroopers, front.