SNP80: Railway Viaduct in Hanusovce nad Toplou Played Strategic Role in SNP

Hanusovce nad Toplou, August 26 (TASR) - A famous railway viaduct in the town of Hanusovce nad Toplou (Presov region) was severely damaged by the Chapayev partisan group on August 23, 1944 during the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), and a monument placed next to its highest pillar draws attention to this event. Historian Ondrej Glod of the Presov Regional Museum, working in the Hanusovce mansion and archeopark, told TASR that the commemorative plaque was unveiled on the occasion of the SNP's 40th anniversary. According to the historian, Hanusovce nad Toplou played a significant role in regional life during WWII. "Hanusovce was a natural transport hub on the border between the Saris and Zemplin areas, and then President Jozef Tiso opened the Presov-Hanusovce- Vranov-Strazske railway line, of which this viaduct forms part, in 1943," explained Glod. The viaduct became a strategic point, which the Chapayev partisan group, operating in the forests above Hanusovce, damaged in several places in August 1944 during the SNP. "Damaging the viaduct was part of an effort to disrupt supply routes for German troops on the Eastern Front," added Glod. Partisans also cut the telegraph line and damaged part of the viaduct's structure with explosives. German troops burned down several nearby villages in retaliation for the local people's support for the partisans. "The Slovak National Uprising hit Hanusovce nad Toplou intensively, with several houses being destroyed or seriously damaged," stated Glod. During the fighting around Hanusovce, fierce encounters took place between the partisans and the German army, which took up positions in the region in September 1944. The damaged viaduct was eventually destroyed by the German Wehrmacht. Hanusovce nad Toplou mayor Stefan Straka noted that the municipality actively participates in organising events to commemorate SNP heroes. "We commemorate these figures not only in August, but also during the year; for example, during the Kukorelli Run, which takes place each May," added the mayor. The Kukorelli Run, dedicated to the partisan commander, is one of the main events for all age categories. "We also organise other cultural and social events aimed at bringing what took place 80 years ago closer to the young generation," explained Straka. ko/df