April 05

Born in Molsheim in 1751, Westermann began his military career in the royal cavalry before embracing revolutionary ideals. He led Republican forces in the Vendée, employing bold tactics to defeat royalist insurgents. A member of the National Convention, he advocated for strict measures against counter-revolutionaries. Falling victim to the Terror’s political purges, he was arrested in 1794. He was guillotined on April 5, 1794, at the age of 42.

Born in Arbois in 1761, Pichegru rose from modest origins to command armies in Italy and the Rhine frontier. He secured key victories at the Battles of Wetzlar and Mannheim, boosting Republican morale. Accused of royalist conspiracy, he was forced into exile after the Directory fell. Captured while seeking support for a monarchist coup, he died under mysterious circumstances in prison. He died on April 5, 1804, leaving a complex legacy as both hero and alleged traitor.

Born in 1806 in Carpi, Manfredo Fanti began his military career fighting in the First Italian War of Independence. He emerged as a skilled commander and joined forces with Giuseppe Garibaldi and other leaders of the Risorgimento. After various campaigns, Fanti was appointed Minister of War and tasked with organizing a unified Italian army. He introduced modern training methods and administrative reforms that strengthened military effectiveness. His leadership during conflicts against Austria and other Italian states was instrumental in achieving unification. Fanti died in 1865, honored as one of the architects of Italy’s national defense.

Milivoje Blaznavac was born in 1824 and rose through the Serbian military ranks, participating in wars against the Ottoman Empire. He became Minister of War and later joined the regency council for the young Prince Milan Obrenovi9. Blaznavac wielded significant influence in Serbian politics, serving briefly as Prime Minister in 1872. He balanced military authority with diplomatic efforts to strengthen Serbia’s autonomy. His tenure saw reforms in the army and administration, paving the way for Serbia’s modernization. Blaznavac died in 1873 at the age of 48, leaving a complex legacy as both warrior and politician.

Born in 1832, Osman Nuri Pasha rose through the ranks of the Ottoman military with a reputation for discipline. In 1877, he commanded the defense at Plevna, successfully repelling multiple Russian assaults. His resolute tactics and innovative use of fortifications made him a national hero in the Ottoman Empire. After the war, he served in high command positions and advised on military reforms. Osman Nuri Pasha’s legacy endures as an exemplar of defensive warfare and Ottoman resilience in the 19th century.

Born in Wombwell in 1890, Kilner emerged as a talented all-rounder for Yorkshire county cricket. He served on the Western Front during World War I, returning to sport after the conflict. Kilner excelled as a left-handed batsman, slow left-arm spin bowler, and agile fielder. He represented England in Test cricket, playing pivotal roles in Ashes series of the early 1920s. Despite his success, his career was cut short by declining health related to enteric fever. He died in 1928 at age 38, remembered as one of England's beloved cricket icons.

Song Zheyuan was born in 1885 in Hubei province and rose through the ranks of the National Revolutionary Army. He commanded the 29th Army during the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, a key event that escalated into the Second Sino-Japanese War. Song implemented defensive strategies in North China, striving to hold back invading forces with limited resources. Despite facing challenges in coordination and supply, he remained committed to protecting his homeland. After the outbreak of full-scale conflict, he served as Governor of Hebei province, overseeing military and civil affairs. His efforts laid foundational work for China's persistent resistance in the early years of the war.

Born in 1888, he began his military career in the Austro-Hungarian Army before transferring to the newly formed Polish Army. During the 1939 invasion of Poland, he commanded the Independent Operational Group Polesie, a force comprised of various retreating units. His troops fought a determined rear-guard action during the Battle of Kock, the final battle of the September Campaign. Despite being outnumbered and cut off, he maintained discipline and cohesion under his command. Kleeberg's leadership and tactical skill earned him recognition as a national hero in Poland.

Born in 1912, Borgmann joined the German Army and quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant. He served as an adjutant in Adolf Hitler's Führer Headquarters and survived the July 20 assassination attempt. Later, he was transferred to the Eastern Front, where he continued to serve until the end of the war. Borgmann's career reflects the experiences of many Wehrmacht officers caught in the tumult of World War II. He died in 1945 after sustaining fatal wounds in combat.

Born in 1897, Koch joined the SS and rose through the ranks to command the Buchenwald concentration camp in 1937. Under his leadership, the camp became known for its brutality, forced labor, and inhumane conditions. In 1941, he was appointed commandant of the Majdanek camp, where atrocities continued. Investigated by the SS for corruption and embezzlement, he was arrested in 1943. Koch was tried by an SS court and executed in 1945 during the final months of the war.

Douglas MacArthur (1880–1964) was an American general who played a pivotal role in the Pacific theater of World War II. He led Allied forces in campaigns across the Philippines and accepted Japan's surrender in 1945. As Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, he oversaw the occupation and reconstruction of postwar Japan. MacArthur also commanded United Nations forces during the early phase of the Korean War. His strategic brilliance and larger-than-life persona made him one of the most influential military figures of the 20th century.

Ain-Ervin Mere was born in 1903 and served as a senior officer in the Waffen-SS and Estonian security forces during the German occupation of Estonia. He played a central role in organizing Estonian SS units, including the 20th Waffen Grenadier Division. Mere was implicated in anti-partisan operations and security actions that targeted civilians. After World War II, he escaped to the United Kingdom and avoided extradition, despite repeated requests from Estonia. He died in London in 1969, having never faced trial for war crime allegations.