21 October - General Vasil Delov liberated the Eastern Rhodope Mountains

General Vasil Delov was born on December 25, 1861 in the town of Kotel. His father’s family is from the line of Georgi Rakovski. His mother was the sister of Gavril Krastevich. He received primary education in his hometown. Graduated the famous Aprilovska High School (Gabrovo). During the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878) is in the town of Tulcea. There he is preparing to study in Russia with Sava Dobroplodni. He mastered French, German and Russian. Secretary of the Tulcea municipal government (1878). In 1879, he graduated with the first class of the Military School in Sofia. His actual military service began in the 20th Varna Infantry Battalion (1879). An active participant in the construction of the Bulgarian Army. Publisher of "regular soldiers in the infantry," which is the first training manual in the Bulgarian army. After that he wrote "Guide for non-commissioned officers in the study of the scattered formation", "Trenches of infantry with pictures" " Guide for officers in training fencing", "Knife fighting table with drawings", "On disciplinary action and gymnastics." He was awarded with the medal "For merits". In the Serbo-Bulgarian War (1885) was the commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 8th Infantry Primorski Regiment. He distinguished in the battles of Pirot ,Neshkov Vrah, Dimitrovgrad and Dragoman. He was awarded with the medal "For Bravery" IV degree. After the war was the commander of the 22nd Infantry Trakiyski Regiment (1892), 9th Infantry Plovdiv Regiment (1893). Delov was made colonel in 1896. He served in Vidin as a garrison commander of the 3rd Infantry Bdin Regiment, Commander of 2 Brigade of 6th and 2nd Infantry Division (1901-1912).During the First Balkan War (1912-1913) was head of the Haskovo Detachment. At the Battle of Kardzhali he pushed the Turks south of Arda and provided the rear of the second Bulgarian army at Adrianople. He was then appointed chief of the 11th Infantry Mixed Division. In March 1913, as Chief of the Southern Division of the Eastern sector, he participated in the siege and assault of the Edirne fortress. He was promoted to rank of Major General.During the Second Balkan War, he commanded the 11th Infantry Division, and during the Kresna battle - of the West squad.During the First World War, he is General for orders in the Ministry of War and head of the Second Divisional area (1918). He retired in 1919 and established with his family in Plovdiv.In 2012 was published a print book by historian Vera Tashkova - General Delov and the activities of the Haskovo Detachment during the Balkan War (1912-1913), published by the newspaper Nov Jivot (New Life). In the town of Kardzhali has built his monument.