In August 1941, the Dragutinovački Partisan Detachment spent most of its time encamped in the Ugar and Livade areas, due to the proximity of the village and the large number of farms in this region actively supporting the fighters by providing supplies and completing other tasks for the partisans.
At that time, the detachment comprised 14 fighters. All of them were armed with military and hunting rifles, a couple of hand grenades—known as “Kragujevka”—and several dozen rifle cartridges. Most of the fighters wore civilian clothes, with traditional footwear (opanci), hats, or caps. Without their weapons, no one encountering them would recognize them as partisans. Many villagers imagined these fighters differently, leading to some fanciful tales. For example, some villagers whispered with awe about allegedly meeting partisans, describing them as tall, burly, mustachioed, with heavy eyebrows, armed with machine guns and even mortars, dressed in military uniforms of olive green, blue, or red, and wearing boots.
Individually, the members of the Dragutinovački Detachment differed in appearance, background, views, character, or other traits.
Key Figures of the Dragutinovački Detachment
Miloš Popov: The detachment’s political commissar, a member of the SKOJ since 1935 and the Communist Party of Yugoslavia (CPY) since 1938, was instrumental in organizing the uprising and forming an armed group in the villages of Beodra and Dragutinovo. An intellectual and the son of a politically progressive farmer who was a longtime opposition leader in Dragutinovo, Miloš was honest, sociable, intelligent, and well-versed in Marxist thought. As a staunch communist and advocate for workers’ and peasants’ rights, he was highly respected even by much older individuals.
Lazar Pajić: The commander of the partisan detachment, though primarily a farmer before the war, was often sought after for advice, especially regarding political matters. His household valued reading, particularly during the winter when farming activities were minimal. A member of the CPY since 1939, Lazar was a dedicated and determined fighter, making him an ideal military leader for the detachment.
Veselin Popov-Selika: Known as one of the most fearless communists and fighters, Selika’s unyielding nature became invaluable during the war. No task was too challenging for him, earning him the most dangerous and complex missions. After exhausting his ammunition during a fierce battle, he activated a hand grenade and embraced it to prevent the enemy from identifying him even in death.
Slavko Radnović (Bracika): The shortest member of the detachment, Slavko was an experienced communist and fervent advocate for workers’ rights. His calm, kind demeanor made him universally liked and respected by his comrades and fellow villagers.
Arkadije Popov: The youngest partisan, Arkadije was Miloš Klima's ideological and political protégé. At just 18, he became a member of the CPY. His short stature and perpetually smiling green eyes earned him the trust and affection of his peers. He often sang revolutionary songs, even during critical moments, such as when surrounded by the enemy near Crvena Mala by Elemir, holding onto a grenade as he sang alongside his comrades.
Draga Stanaćev (Sulja): The only metalworker in the detachment, Sulja was known for his fiery and decisive nature. His skill with a light machine gun as a member of the North Banat Partisan Detachment was unmatched. Despite being captured and tortured by the fascists, he refused to divulge any information and faced execution with defiance.
Other Members
The remaining eight fighters were equally notable, each contributing uniquely to the detachment’s character:
- Duško Marković: Renowned as a strategist for his military knowledge.
- Sredoje Veskov (Brcul): Known for his endless reading and willingness to discuss political issues.
- Dančika Bešlin (Ferdinand): Talkative to the point of silence only during sleep.
- Živa Lejić: So quiet that it was joked whether he could speak at all.
- Dragoljub Živančev (Nemka): Often teased for his strict adherence to rules, earning him the nickname “frontline policeman.”
Despite their differences, the Dragutinovački Detachment was politically and militarily united, always ready and eager for action. This collective spirit was their greatest strength, unmatched and immeasurable.
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