March 13

Born in 1235 to Richard, Earl of Cornwall, Henry of Almain was a prominent English noble and participant in the Ninth Crusade. As nephew to King Henry III, he held substantial lands and titles and was celebrated for his martial skills. He commanded forces in Gascony and acted as a diplomat between England and the Papacy. His life ended when he was murdered in 1271 by followers of Simon de Montfort, avenging his father’s death. Henry's death marked a significant moment of retribution in the Barons’ Wars. He is remembered for his knightly valor and the brutal nature of his demise.

John Jervis rose through the naval ranks to become Admiral of the Fleet. He commanded the British squadron at the 1797 Battle of Cape St Vincent, earning his title and fame. As First Lord of the Admiralty, he implemented strict discipline and reforms that professionalized the Royal Navy. His leadership during the French Revolutionary Wars secured British naval supremacy. Jervis was created 1st Earl of St Vincent in recognition of his service. He continued to influence naval policy until his retirement. His legacy endures in naval history and in geographical namesakes like Jervis Inlet.

William Bradley served as a lieutenant aboard Captain Cook's voyages, where he assisted in mapping unknown coastlines. He contributed detailed charts of the South Pacific and Australian coastlines, enhancing maritime navigation. Bradley's precise observations and sketches laid foundations for modern cartography in Oceania. He was appointed Master of HMS Resolution and later published his charts for wider use. His work aided future explorers and traders in safe passage. Bradley's maps remained authoritative for decades, reflecting his meticulous attention to detail.

Henry Shrapnel served in the British Army during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He rose to the rank of major general after distinguished service in the American Revolutionary and French Revolutionary Wars. Shrapnel developed what became known as the 'shrapnel shell', a hollow projectile filled with small shot designed to burst in midair. His invention significantly increased artillery effectiveness and was adopted by armies across Europe. The device was named in his honor and reshaped battlefield tactics. Shrapnel's contributions earned him recognition as an innovator in military engineering. His legacy endures in the widespread use of the technology he pioneered.

Born in 1833 in Ohio, Benjamin Harrison was a Civil War veteran and Republican statesman. He served as a brigadier general in the Union Army before entering politics as a U.S. Senator and later becoming President. During his presidency, Harrison advocated for civil rights for African Americans and supported the McKinley Tariff to protect American industries. He signed the Sherman Antitrust Act into law to curb monopolies. Harrison oversaw significant growth in the U.S. Navy, marking the beginning of American naval power. After leaving office, he practiced law in Indiana and remained active in public life. He was the grandson of President William Henry Harrison, making them the first grandfather-grandson duo to hold the office. He passed away in 1901, leaving a legacy of modernizing the executive branch and championing progressive economic policies.

Born in 1878 in Stargard, Germany, Werner von Blomberg was a career military officer who rose to the rank of Field Marshal. During World War I, he served with distinction on the Western Front and earned the Iron Cross. Appointed Minister of War in 1933, Blomberg played a key role in reorganizing Germany's military under the Nazi regime. He advocated for rearmament and co-authored the Hossbach Memorandum outlining Hitler's expansionist plans. However, his career ended in scandal in 1938 after revelations about his wife's past led to his dismissal. Blomberg's early reforms significantly strengthened the Wehrmacht but also tied the military closely to Hitler's ambitions. He spent his later years in obscurity and died in 1946, shortly after World War II ended.

Born in 1917 in Estonia, Ants 'the Terrible' Kaljurand joined the Forest Brothers guerrilla fighters resisting Soviet occupation after World War II. He earned his nickname for his fierce tactics and leadership in organizing anti-communist operations. Kaljurand conducted sabotage raids and helped smuggle civilians fleeing persecution across the border. His activities made him a symbol of Estonian defiance and national identity during years of repression. Despite a large bounty, he evaded capture for years, inspiring other resistance members. Kaljurand's determination highlighted the broader struggle of Baltic nations against Soviet control. He was eventually captured and executed in 1951, but his legacy lives on in Estonia's fight for independence.

Born in 1884, Johan Laidoner was a key military leader during the Estonian War of Independence from 1918 to 1920. He served as Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian Armed Forces and played a central role in defending the fledgling nation against Soviet forces. After the war, he remained influential in Estonia's interwar politics and military affairs. Laidoner was arrested following the Soviet occupation in 1940 and died in a Soviet prison camp in 1953. His leadership is celebrated for safeguarding Estonia's sovereignty.

Born in 1921, Philippe de Gaulle was the eldest son of Charles de Gaulle and a dedicated naval officer. He joined the Free French Naval Forces during World War II, taking part in key Mediterranean operations. After the war, he rose through the ranks to become an admiral and commanded the cruiser Colbert. De Gaulle held senior leadership positions in the postwar French Navy, influencing naval policy during a critical period. Transitioning to politics, he served as a senator for Yvelines from 1986 to 2004, focusing on veterans' affairs and national defense. His career reflected a blend of military service and public office, upholding his family's legacy of leadership. Philippe de Gaulle passed away in 2024, leaving a notable mark on France's naval and political history.