The Story of Their Capture
During the war, Nazi occupiers arrested the children of Minay Shmyryov, known as Batka Minay, and demanded his surrender in exchange for their lives. However, the partisan commander could not trust the Nazis—the likelihood of them keeping their promise was extremely low. Despite the threat, Shmyryov refused to surrender. On February 14, 1942, the Nazis brutally executed his children, as well as his sister and his late wife's mother.
The Nazis Called Him "Bandit Number One"
To the Nazis, Minay Shmyryov was one of the greatest threats. They repeatedly attempted to eliminate his partisan unit, offering a large reward for his head: a cow, a horse, land, and tens of thousands of marks. However, no local residents were willing to betray the legendary commander. Failing to capture him, the Germans launched a punitive operation, temporarily dispersing the partisans, and on October 19, 1941, took his children hostage.
Imprisonment and Torture
The children were taken to Surazh, where a large German garrison was stationed. They were kept in inhumane conditions: cold, hunger, brutal beatings, and constant psychological abuse became their daily reality. They were given only a small piece of bread and some water. At first, the children cried and screamed, but eventually, they fell silent. The Nazis tried to break them, telling the older ones that their father had already been executed, while the youngest, three-year-old Misha, was subjected to "face-to-face confrontations" with captured partisans in hopes he would identify his father.
Batka Minay’s Impossible Choice
The Nazis forced Minay Shmyryov into an agonizing dilemma: surrender voluntarily in exchange for his children's lives. Upon learning of their capture, he was devastated. Just days before, he had planned to hide them in the forest, but his relatives objected. He hesitated—storming Surazh was futile, as the city was heavily guarded. At first, he considered surrendering, then contemplated suicide, hoping his death would spare his children.
The Last Letter from His Daughter
His decision changed when he received a note from his eldest daughter, Liza: "Papa, do not worry about us, do not listen to anyone, do not go to the Germans. If they kill you, we are powerless and cannot avenge you. But if they kill us, Papa, you will avenge us." On February 14, 1942, the Nazis executed the children, Minay Shmyryov’s sister, and his mother-in-law. He had no family left. He carried Liza’s note close to his heart throughout the war, never forgetting his duty—to avenge their deaths.
