Pogulyanka was a large mass killing site of Jews from the Latgale District, named after the nearby village. On August 17, 1941, Jews from Ludza were taken to the village of Pogulyanka, not far from the Cirma Lake, seven kilometers from Ludza. There they were shot in ditches dug by Soviet prisoners of war. Workers in the commandant’s office had prepared a list of 250 adult Jews and 200 children under the age of 16 who were sentenced to be shot. This list did not include professionals or those who worked in the German hospital. The shooting was carried out under the supervision of local police officers, and perpetrated mainly by the Arajs Commando from Riga, with the participation of several local policemen and Latvian nationalists. The victims were divided into groups; while one group was being shot, the next was undressed. On August 28, 1941, some thirty young Jewish women, who had been raped and beaten, were also shot at this site, together with fifteen Jewish men. In May 1944, the Pogulyanka murder site was surrounded and carefully guarded by the Germans. The mass grave was opened, and for several days a group of unidentified prisoners in chains burned the remains. Afterwards, the prisoners were shot.

More information: Yad Vashem