The expedition to locate the North Latgale national partisans was, as is now traditional, led by researcher of the national armed resistance movement Zigmārs Turčinskis from the association “Institute of Applied Historical Research”. According to his account, between 1944 and the early 1950s, Chekists may have thrown around thirty national partisans into several pits by the side of the road near the Tilža Lutheran Church. Unfortunately, the names of these fighters are not known. Identification is possible using various methods, and if the necessary funds are available, these forest warriors will have their names restored.

Last autumn, Z. Turčinskis went to Tilža on a research trip. He was accompanied by local partisan researcher Zigfrīds Berķis from Balvi (who, unfortunately, passed away this spring after an active life), who knew the region well, knew the names of a great many partisans, and had interviewed dozens of local residents over a long period.

At first, the search group was unsuccessful in determining the right location. However, information reached them about a man, possibly named Ēriks, who knew where it was. Together, they went to the edge of the forest near the Lutheran church. And that proved successful – with the help of probing using a long metal rod, they came across bones. It was then decided to return to Tilža this year with full equipment.