May 20, 1876 The detachment heads for Mount Okolchitsa in the Balkan Mountains after the expected help does not come. Urged on by Circassians, whom they repulse, the Chetniks take up positions on three peaks – the Kamara, Kupena and Okolchitsa.
The detachment heads for Mount Okolchitsa in the Balkan Mountains after the expected help does not come. Egged on by Circassians, who they repulse, the Chetniks take up positions on three peaks – Kamaratta, Kupena and Okolchitsa. The Circassians and Bashibozouk attack until noon without success. A Botev Chetnik says: “The fighting that followed was terrible. Spas Sokolov remembers the Bulgarian response. Fight! Strike! On meat! Long live Bulgaria!” The forces were unequal, but the Bulgarians inflicted defeats without sacrifice. At nightfall the fighting ceases. The detachment goes to the spring, Botev, Apostolov, Obretenov and the wounded Pero remain. They lean against a rock to discuss the situation, Botev rises to survey the situation… and falls pierced. The tragic event strikes the troops like thunder. According to Zahari Stoyanov, “He was measured on purpose!”
