March 25

John Beaufort was born in 1404 as a grandson of King Edward III and a member of the Beaufort family. He inherited the title Duke of Somerset and was appointed a commander in the Hundred Years' War against France. He led English forces to notable successes in Gascony, earning a reputation for tactical skill. Despite his achievements, he faced political rivalries at court that complicated his career. Beaufort married Margaret Beauchamp, forming alliances with powerful noble families. He died in battle in 1444, weakening English positions in France and marking the end of his military leadership. His descendants would later play key roles in the Wars of the Roses, connecting the Beaufort line to the Tudor dynasty.

Paul de Rapin de Thoyras was born in Paris and served as a soldier under William of Orange before retiring to the Netherlands. He devoted himself to scholarship and began his monumental 'History of England', a work noted for its depth and clarity. His multi-volume history was published in French and later translated into English, shaping historical studies in Britain. De Rapin's meticulous research and engaging prose made his work a standard reference throughout the 18th century. He remained in The Hague for the rest of his life and continued refining his writings until his death in 1725.

John Barry was born in County Wexford, Ireland, and emigrated to North America as a young man. He joined the Continental Navy during the American Revolution and commanded several vessels with distinction, capturing British ships and protecting American cargo. After the war, Barry played a key role in establishing the United States Navy by overseeing shipbuilding and naval policy. Known as the 'Father of the American Navy', he set many of the traditions and standards followed by future naval officers. Barry continued to serve his country until his death in 1803, leaving a lasting legacy in American naval history.

Joachim Murat rose from humble beginnings in rural France to become one of Napoleon's most trusted cavalry commanders. He earned fame for his daring charges at battles such as Austerlitz and Jena, showcasing exceptional horsemanship and bravery. In 1800, he married Napoleon's sister Caroline and was eventually appointed Marshal of France. Murat was made King of Naples in 1808, where he implemented legal and administrative reforms while maintaining his flamboyant style. After the fall of Napoleon, he attempted to retain his throne but was captured and executed in 1815, cementing his place as a dramatic figure of the Napoleonic era.

Myles Keogh was an Irish-born officer who initially served in the Papal Army before emigrating to the United States. He fought as a captain in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he continued his military career in the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry Regiment. Keogh was known for his gallantry and leadership on the Western frontier. He was killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876 while serving under Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. His dedication and service during pivotal moments in American history left a lasting legacy.

Siegfried Handloser (1895–1954) was a German army physician who rose to become Chief of the Wehrmacht Medical Service in Nazi Germany. After serving in World War I, he joined the medical corps and advanced through military ranks to oversee medical policies and personnel during World War II. Handloser was involved in implementing medical research programs, some of which were later scrutinized for ethical violations. Following Germany’s defeat, he was arrested by Allied authorities and indicted at the Nuremberg Doctors’ Trial for alleged involvement in war crimes. He died in custody before his case reached a verdict. Handloser’s career remains a controversial chapter in the history of military medicine.

Leslie Averill was born in 1897 in Timaru, New Zealand. He enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the First World War, rising to the rank of captain and earning recognition for his leadership in the trenches. After the war, he studied medicine at the University of Otago and embarked on a long career as a general practitioner, serving his community with dedication. In addition to his medical work, he remained involved in veteran affairs and public service. He died in 1981, remembered for his dual legacy as a war hero and compassionate doctor.

Born into the Prussian aristocracy in 1905, Albrecht Mertz von Quirnheim pursued a career in the German military and rose to the rank of colonel. During World War II, he became disillusioned with the Nazi regime and joined the German resistance. As a key staff officer in the 20 July plot, he helped plan the assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler at the Wolf's Lair. After the plot failed, he was arrested and executed on July 21, 1944. He is remembered for his courage and moral conviction in opposing tyranny.