March 05

Born into an aristocratic family, he joined the British Army and served in European campaigns.\nIn 1749 he became Governor of Nova Scotia, founding the settlement of Halifax to secure British interests.\nHe laid out Halifax’s streets, fortified the town, and negotiated early treaties with the Mi'kmaq people.\nHis policies aimed to expand British settlement, though they also led to conflicts and population resettlements.\nAppointed Governor of Gibraltar in 1761, he oversaw the fortress during a period of tenuous peace.\nHe died in Gibraltar in 1776, remembered for his role in shaping British colonial strategy in North America.

Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge (1739-1819) studied medicine in Massachusetts before joining the colonial militia during the American Revolution. Commissioned as a colonel, he took part in the Saratoga campaign and the defense of New York. He was noted for his dedication to treating both soldiers and civilians close to the front lines. After the war, Woodbridge returned to civilian practice, serving communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts. He advocated for improved sanitary conditions and the professionalization of American medicine. His writings on battlefield hygiene and emergency care influenced early U.S. medical training.

Born in 1871 in Athens, Konstantinos Pallis pursued a military career in the Hellenic Army. He distinguished himself during the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913, rising through the ranks to become a general. After World War I, Pallis transitioned to politics and was appointed Minister Governor-General of Macedonia, overseeing administrative and security affairs. He worked to integrate the diverse populations of the region during a period of national consolidation. Pallis advocated for military modernization and regional infrastructure projects. His dual roles reflected a blend of strategic leadership and civil governance. He retired from public service before his death in 1941, remembered for his contributions to Greek national development.

Andres Larka was born in 1879 and trained at military academies in Russia. He organized and led volunteer units during the Estonian War of Independence (1918-1920). As the first Estonian Minister of War, he established the structures of the new national army. He promoted military education and modern training methods for officers and soldiers. After retiring from active command, he remained involved in politics and veterans' affairs. Larka was arrested during World War II and died in Soviet custody in 1943. He is honored as a founding father of Estonia's armed forces.

Born in 1911, Subroto Mukerjee was the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Air Force. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1930 and earned his wings as a pilot. After India's independence, he took a leading role in building the Air Force into a modern air arm. Mukerjee established training institutions and operational doctrines for the new service. He emphasized discipline, professionalism, and technical excellence among personnel. Mukerjee's leadership laid the foundation for India's aerial defence capabilities. He died in 1960, remembered as a pioneering figure in Indian military history.

Born in 1912, Jack Marshall began his career as a New Zealand Army officer before entering politics. He served in World War II and reached the rank of colonel. Marshall was elected to Parliament and held various ministerial posts over two decades. In 1972, he became the 28th Prime Minister of New Zealand, leading the National Party. His tenure focused on economic management and foreign affairs during a turbulent period. After leaving office, Marshall continued public service as an elder statesman and lawyer. He died in 1988, respected for his military service and political leadership.

Olusegun Obasanjo was born in 1937 in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1958 and rose to the rank of Brigadier General. Following the assassination of Murtala Mohammed, he became head of state in 1976 and guided Nigeria to a civilian government in 1979. After a period in detention, he returned to politics and was elected President in 1999, serving two terms until 2007. His administration implemented economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and improved international relations. Obasanjo has played a prominent role in continental diplomacy and remains influential in African governance.

Vazgen Sargsyan was a decorated Armenian military officer who rose to prominence during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He became a key figure in Armenia's fight for independence and national defense after the Soviet collapse. In 1998, he transitioned to politics and was appointed Prime Minister in 1999. As Prime Minister, he sought to strengthen Armenia’s security and political institutions. His dynamic leadership and nationalist vision earned him widespread popularity. Tragically, he was assassinated in 1999 during an attack in the Armenian parliament, cementing his legacy as a national hero.