Tone Cloud: How we resisted the partisan violence at St. Gregory's [2]

In May 1942, during World War II, a tragic incident occurred in the village of Sodražica in what is now Slovenia. The local teacher, Ivanka Novak Škrabec, was brutally murdered by partisans after being captured in the forest near Jagerbirt. According to reports, she was forced to dig her own grave before being killed with brutal efficiency. Her body was placed in a shallow pit and buried so superficially that parts of her coat remained visible above ground. The act left a deep mark on the community and raised questions about the nature of resistance and violence during this turbulent period. The events leading up to the murder began earlier that year. In December 1940, Ivanka had married France Novak, who had recently become a chemistry professor. After the German occupation of Yugoslavia, France could no longer return home and instead settled in Sodražica with his wife. They moved into a modest house owned by the Jurjev family. However, their peaceful life did not last long. Soon after their arrival, the Jurjevs received a threatening letter from the partisans based on Travna Gora, warning them that they would face severe consequences if they harbored a “national enemy.” France, known for his anti-communist views, openly expressed these beliefs, which made him a target. As tensions escalated, the partisans, led by a man known as Daki, who had fought in the Spanish Civil War, became more active in the area. On May 28, 1942, Italian forces suddenly withdrew from Sodražica, leaving the village vulnerable. Shortly thereafter, partisans arrived in the town, claiming to have liberated it. They set up checkpoints throughout the valley, restricting movement and conducting searches of individuals entering or exiting the area. This marked a turning point for the villagers, who found themselves caught between occupying forces and partisans. The day of the murder came swiftly. As the partisans searched for their enemies, they soon turned their attention to the Novaks. At around the time the partisans arrived, the Novaks were visiting the Kovač family’s property. A familiar merchant approached them urgently, urging France to flee immediately. Before he could react, the partisans appeared on the scene, demanding information about the couple. The situation quickly deteriorated, culminating in the brutal killing of Ivanka. Meanwhile, in nearby Sveti Gregor, another group of villagers faced similar threats from partisans. The Oblak family, known for their business acumen and community involvement, became targets of both partisans and Italian authorities. During one encounter, partisans stormed the Oblak family's shop and guesthouse, looting everything of value and leaving behind empty shelves and walls. Despite the chaos, the Oblaks decided to resist passively, organizing themselves to protect their interests and livelihoods. The partisans' actions extended beyond mere intimidation. They threatened to mobilize the population, creating fear among the villagers. In response, some families sought protection through alternative means, such as contacting Italian authorities for assistance. One such attempt involved sending a student named Tonko Modic to request permission from the Italians to carry weapons for self-defense. Although the request was made, the Italians did not respond positively, choosing instead to avoid direct confrontation with the partisans. The impact of these events rippled through the region, affecting multiple villages and communities. In Zapotok, the partisans targeted the Kozin family, whose son was described as a bright young farmer. His fate remains unclear, but the incident further underscored the dangers faced by civilians caught in the crossfire of conflicting ideologies and military operations. The legacy of these events continues to resonate in historical discussions about resistance movements and civilian suffering during wartime. The stories of individuals like Ivanka Novak Škrabec serve as reminders of the human cost of conflict, highlighting the complex interplay between ideology, survival, and resistance in occupied territories.