Crossing of the Troyan Detachment

In December 1877, Lieutenant General Pavel Kartsov's Troyan Detachment was ordered to cross the Balkan Mountains through Troyan Pass by 24 December. This hazardous manoeuvre in severe winter conditions was intended to demonstrate vigour and strength.

The detachment included the 9th and 10th Infantry Regiments, a sapper battalion, Cossack regiments and an artillery brigade. Ottoman forces concentrated to guard the pass stood in its way.

The crossing followed months of reconnaissance and preparation. Local Bulgarians played a vital role by providing food, helping troops negotiate difficult sections and volunteering to fight.

The detachment divided into two columns: the main column travelled through Troyan and the advance column through Shipkovo. A snowstorm slowed the difficult march, but the troops overcame the obstacles and reached the pass.

In the following days, they advanced along strategically important mountain paths and moved unexpectedly among enemy positions. Under artillery fire, the left column attacked the fortifications while the right launched a general assault.

Russian losses, including men killed, wounded and affected by frostbite, were relatively small. Ottoman losses are unknown. The detachment broke through and continued towards Teke and Karnare.