January 26

Born into the Austrian nobility in 1683, Khevenhüller began his military career under Prince Eugene of Savoy. He distinguished himself during the War of the Spanish Succession and later played a key role in the Austro-Turkish War. As commander in Bavaria, he led successful campaigns to relieve sieges and reclaim territory. Elevated to field marshal, he reorganized the Austrian army’s training and logistics. His strategic acumen helped secure Habsburg dominance in Central Europe. Khevenhüller died in 1744, leaving a legacy as one of Austria’s foremost military leaders.

Gabriel Christie was born in Stirling, Scotland, in 1722. He joined the British Army’s 42nd Highland Regiment and later served with distinction in the Royal American Regiment during the Seven Years’ War. He played a crucial role in key campaigns, including the capture of Montreal in 1760. After retiring from active service, Christie settled in Canada, where he acquired extensive landholdings around Montreal. His investments made him one of the wealthiest landowners in the colony, and he contributed to early Canadian settlement and development. Christie’s legacy endures through historical accounts of his military career and impact on colonial North America.

Duncan Gordon Boyes was born in Bellary, India, in 1846. At just 16, he served with the Royal Marines during the Taiping Rebellion in China. He received the Victoria Cross for rescuing a wounded comrade under heavy enemy fire at the Battle of Ningbo in 1862. Boyes’s courageous action exemplified selfless valor and remains one of the youngest Victoria Cross awards ever given. After returning to England, he continued his naval service before retiring, leaving a lasting legacy of heroism.

Born in 1833, Charles George Gordon served with distinction in the British Army during the Crimean War and the Taiping Rebellion in China. As Governor-General of the Sudan, he attempted to evacuate Egyptian forces during the Mahdist uprising, becoming famous for his obstinate defense of Khartoum. His refusal to abandon the city led to his death in 1885, making him a Victorian hero and martyr in Britain. Gordon's life was marked by his devout Christianity, unyielding principle, and complex legacy as both a military commander and colonial administrator.

David Rice Atchison began his career as a militia officer in Missouri and rose to Brigadier General during the Mexican–American War. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1843, he served as President pro tempore and briefly lay claim to the presidency for one day in 1849. A fierce advocate for the expansion of slavery, Atchison played a leading role in the events leading to "Bleeding Kansas." His unusual political fame and colorful personal anecdotes made him a memorable figure in 19th-century American history.

Abner Doubleday graduated from West Point and served as an artillery officer before rising to division command in the Union Army. He was present at the first battle of Bull Run and later fought at Antietam and Fredericksburg. Despite myths linking him to the invention of baseball, historians have found no concrete evidence for this claim. After the war, he continued to serve in the Army, worked on coastal defenses, and wrote memoirs of his military career.

Sahabzada Yaqub Khan was born in 1920 and commissioned into the British Indian Army before opting for Pakistan at independence. He served as Pakistan’s first high commissioner to the United Kingdom and later as ambassador to the United States. Khan was appointed foreign minister in 1973, playing a key role in diplomatic negotiations during a turbulent era, including the separation of Bangladesh and Cold War dynamics. He also held the position of defense minister and was honored with Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. After retirement, he authored memoirs on international relations and advised global think tanks.