from the interrogation of sevolod filoretovich rotkov, the former burgomaster of vitebsk.d, bssr. the extermination took place mercilessly where no one saw any more unnoticed, in small doses near the city, at points more distant from the city and communication routes. in the autumn of 1942 alone, the nazis burned down 100 villages and towns in more than thirty regions of the republic. 65 punitive operations were carried out against civilians and partisans, but they did not have the expected result, the nazis were thirsty for revenge, and the year 1943 was becoming bloody. in december 1943, in the village of orel , kobrin district, brez region, preparations were made. for the christian holiday of saint anna. she was revered as the patroness of all women. the war fell heavily on their shoulders. hunger, life in constant fear for oneself. the germans did not spare anyone. residents often saw clouds of black smoke suddenly bursting out from behind the forest, first on one side, then on the other. suddenly, the sounds of approaching cars were heard, and soon the smell of harry