Hajduk Vasil Penchov

Vasil Penchov, also known as Orhanliyata, was born in Pravets in 1839. Accounts differ concerning his activities as a hajduk before he joined Hadzhi Dimitar and Stefan Karadzha’s detachment.

Vasil Penchov is known to have fought in several engagements, including those at Karaisen, Dyado Ivan’s Grove near Vishovgrad, and Kanla Dere on 9 July 1868.

According to Hristo Makedonski, after the Battle of Kanla Dere and Stefan Karadzha’s arrest, a group of 14 men, including Vasil Penchov, split off and headed towards Aglikina Polyana, where they engaged the enemy. Lacking sufficient strength, they were captured near a mill at Kechi Dere, present-day Kozin Dol in the Sliven district.

Vasil Penchov is listed in a report of the Ruse Criminal Court dated 16 August 1868. He and the other surviving members of the detachment were sent to Ruse to stand trial.

Vasil Penchov was sentenced to death and hanged in Ruse on 14 August 1868.