May 04

Born around 1390, Engelbrektsson emerged as a leader of miners and peasants in Bergslagen. In 1434, he spearheaded the Engelbrekt rebellion protesting heavy taxation and foreign rule. His movement forced King Eric to grant reforms and convene a Swedish Riksdag. Though briefly appointed Captain of the Realm, internal conflicts weakened his position. In 1436, he was assassinated by political rivals, ending his crusade for Swedish self-rule. His legacy endures as a symbol of popular resistance and national identity.

Born circa 1750, Tipu Sultan succeeded his father Haider Ali as ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. He modernized his army with innovative rocketry and European-style tactics, challenging British forces. Tipu forged alliances with the French and Ottomans in an effort to preserve Mysore's sovereignty. Known for his administrative reforms, he promoted irrigation projects and silk cultivation. He died in 1799 defending his capital at the Siege of Seringapatam, cementing his legacy as a warrior king.

Born in 1776 to a military family, Kamensky rose quickly through the ranks of the Imperial Russian Army. He commanded forces with strategic boldness during the Russo-Turkish War, securing key victories. In the Napoleonic Wars, he played a critical role on the Austrian front, demonstrating tactical acumen. Kamensky was celebrated for his leadership under fire and ability to inspire troops. His career was cut short by disease, and he died in 1811, leaving a legacy as one of Russia’s respected commanders.

Denis Davydov (1784–1839) was an officer in the Imperial Russian Army who gained fame for his daring cavalry raids against Napoleon’s forces in 1812. A key figure in developing guerrilla warfare tactics, he coordinated partisan detachments behind enemy lines. Aside from his military career, Davydov was a prolific poet whose verses captured the spirit of Russian patriotism and the hardships of war. His works influenced later Romantic writers and contributed to the rise of Russian national literature. After the war, he continued to serve in the army and wrote memoirs reflecting on his experiences. His blend of soldierly bravado and literary talent made him a distinctive figure in Russian cultural history. He died in 1839, remembered both as a fearless commander and a gifted bard.

Ned Daly (1891–1916) was an Irish nationalist and commander in the 1916 Easter Rising. Born in Limerick, he moved to Dublin and joined the Irish Volunteers as a teenager. Rising quickly through the ranks, Daly was entrusted with leading the 1st Battalion of the Dublin Brigade in the North Inner City during the insurrection. Known for his courage under fire and concern for civilian welfare, he negotiated the evacuation of non-combatants from conflict zones. When the rebellion faltered, he oversaw the surrender of his battalion on orders from Padraig Pearse. Daly was executed by British forces on May 4, 1916, becoming one of the Rising’s youngest leaders to die. His youthful bravery and leadership have been commemorated in Irish history and memory.

William ‘Willie’ Pearse (1881–1916) was an Irish revolutionary and younger brother of Patrick Pearse. Deeply involved in the Gaelic revival, he served as a courier and aide during the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin. Although less militarily experienced than his brother, Willie took an active part in the insurrection at the General Post Office headquarters. Following the surrender, he was condemned by a British court-martial and executed on May 4, 1916, alongside several other leaders. Pearse’s commitment to Irish cultural and political independence was exemplified by his work as a sculptor and poet before the rebellion. His death at age 34 made him one of the Rising’s most poignant figures. He has since been commemorated in Irish history for his bravery and sacrifice.

Milan Rastislav Štefánik was born in 1880 in Austria-Hungary and became an accomplished astronomer, earning his doctorate in Paris. During World War I, he served as a general in the French army on the Western Front. As a statesman, he co-founded the Czechoslovak National Council and played a crucial role at the 1918 Paris Peace Conference. His diplomatic efforts secured international recognition for the new state of Czechoslovakia. Tragically, he died in a plane crash on May 4, 1919, cutting short a visionary career in science and politics.

Fedor von Bock was born in 1880 and served with distinction in the Prussian Army during World War I. Rising through the ranks, he became a field marshal in the Wehrmacht and commanded Army Group North during the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. He later led Army Group Center in the advance toward Moscow and was involved in the failed relief of Stalingrad. In early 1945, he was appointed to lead forces on the Western Front. Von Bock committed suicide on May 4, 1945, as Germany faced imminent defeat.

Born in 1892 in Kumrovec, Josip Broz Tito rose to prominence as the leader of the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II. Under his command, Yugoslav forces successfully resisted Axis occupation and laid the foundation for a socialist federation. Elected the first President of Yugoslavia in 1953, he maintained his position until his death in 1980. Tito implemented a unique system of workers' self-management and skillfully balanced relations between the Eastern and Western blocs. He was a founding figure of the Non-Aligned Movement and played a pivotal role in Cold War diplomacy. Despite criticism for his authoritarian methods, he is credited with preserving the unity and stability of the multiethnic Yugoslav state. Tito's legacy continues to influence the successor nations of the former Yugoslavia.

David Hackworth served with distinction in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, receiving numerous decorations. He rose to the rank of colonel and became one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. military history. After retiring, Hackworth founded the military newspaper 'YARO', advocating for soldiers' welfare and reform. He authored books such as 'About Face' and became a prominent critic of U.S. defense policies. His outspoken stance on military accountability left a lasting influence on defense journalism and veterans' rights.

Born in Portsmouth in 1914. He joined the Royal Navy in 1932 and served with distinction during World War II, including the Normandy landings. He commanded the cruiser HMS Bahamas and received several honors for bravery. After retiring from active service, he entered politics as a Conservative MP for Winchester from 1964 to 1979. He was known for his wit, dedication to public service, and advocacy for veterans' causes. He died in 2013 at the age of 98.