The Chervena Voda Insurgent Detachment

The Chervena Voda Insurgent Detachment was formed in 1875 during preparations for a general Bulgarian uprising. In August, the Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee (BRCC), led by Hristo Botev, decided to launch an uprising in September. Under its plan, Stefan Stambolov left for Stara Zagora and Panayot Volov for Troyan, while Nikola Obretenov and Toma Kardzhiev became the principal organisers in the Ruse region. The detachment organised in Chervena Voda was tasked with launching an uprising because of the large Turkish garrison in Ruschuk. At the last moment, however, Toma Kardzhiev was arrested after Grigoriy, metropolitan of the Ruse diocese, accused him of preparing a revolt. Despite his arrest, committed patriots took up arms in Chervena Voda on 21 September 1875. They consecrated their flag, made by Petrana Obretenova, in the church. The detachment included its voivode, Varban Yordanov of Shumen, and numerous brave men from Chervena Voda and Ruse. However, after unsuccessful efforts to recruit fighters from other villages, it dispersed, and Yordanov was betrayed by people from the village of Shirokovo. He tried to free himself, killing two policemen, but remained captured and was handed over to the Turks. Although the Chervena Voda detachment achieved little militarily, it raised Bulgarian morale, showing that even without organisation and weapons, the people could fight for their freedom.