On the night of 26-27 March 1943, a reconnaissance group of a ski battalion was conducting reconnaissance of the enemy that occupied the west shore of Lake Onega, north of Kulikov lighthouse. The enemy detected the ski reconnaissance group and counterattacked with superior forces, causing the Soviet unit to flee. The Germans began a pursuit. At dawn on 27 March, the commander of 4th BASB received a combat mission: "With a company of combat aerosleds, attack the enemy that is pursuing our reconnaissance group."
