Editing Operation Tempest (section)

=== Białystok ===
Operation Tempest in [[Białystok]] and its area began in the second half of July 1944 and lasted until late September. The Home Army recreated here four units, based on interbellum [[Polish Army]]: 18th and 29th Infantry Divisions, also [[Suwałki Cavalry Brigade]] and [[Podlaska Cavalry Brigade]]. All together, some 7,000 soldiers fought in over 200 battles and skirmishes. The operation was commanded by Colonel [[Władysław Liniarski]].

The first unit to enter the fighting was 81st Home Army Infantry Regiment, which operated in the forests around [[Grodno]]. Armed with light weapons, the regiment was too weak to capture the city of Grodno and limited its activities to fighting German outposts and police stations.

In the outskirts of Białystok, among Polish forces concentrated in the [[Knyszyn]] Wilderness were: 42nd Home Army Infantry Regiment, and 10th Home Army [[Uhlan]] Regiment. The 2nd Home Army [[Uhlan]] Regiment operated in the area of [[Bransk]] and [[Hajnówka]]. This unit destroyed the rail line between Hajnówka and [[Czeremcha, Podlaskie Voivodeship|Czeremcha]], including a rail bridge, which was blown up. The 76th Home Army Infantry Regiment fought in the area of [[Ciechanowiec]] and [[Lapy]].

Three Home Army regiments were formed in the [[Augustów Primeval Forest]]: 1st Home Army Uhlan Regiment (with 300 soldiers), 41st Home Army Infantry Regiment and 3rd Regiment (all together: 700 soldiers).

Fearing a partisan attack, the Germans declared a state of emergency in the town of [[Augustów]]. During Operation Tempest in this part of Białystok Province, over 30 raids of different kinds took place, in which 4 military transports were blown up, along the rail line from Augustow to Grodno. Home Army forces cooperated with the [[Red Army]]. On August 6, a unit of 300 soldiers managed to get through German lines, and into the areas controlled by the Soviets. By autumn 1944, most regiments had ceased operations. The last skirmish in this area took place on November 2 near the village of Nowinka.

In the forests surrounding the [[Osowiec Fortress]], 9th Home Army Mounted Rifles were concentrated under Wiktor Konopka. In July and August 1944, this regiment fought the Germans in several locations. On September 8, after a heavy battle, the unit was destroyed by the enemy. Survivors managed to cross the frontline, which at that time was along the [[Biebrza]] river.

In the area of [[Łomża]], the 33rd Home Army Infantry Regiment was created, with three battalions. It fought rear German units, breaking communication links between frontline and [[East Prussia]]. Near the village of [[Czarnowo-Undy]], some 150 Soviet prisoners of war were released by the Poles. As a reprisal, the Germans burned the village, shooting all its residents (July 22, 1944). On August 20, the 5th Home Army Uhlan Regiment, which operated in the area of [[Ostrołęka]], attacked a German artillery battery near the village of Labedy.