May 15

Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset (1436–1464) was a prominent Lancastrian noble and military leader during the Wars of the Roses. A grandson of John of Gaunt, he inherited the dukedom in 1456 and became a key figure in the dynastic conflict. He led Lancastrian forces at battles such as St Albans and Hexham. Following the Lancastrian defeat, he was captured and executed in 1464, ending the male line of his dukedom. His chivalric reputation and tragic end exemplify the turbulent politics of 15th-century England.

Niwa Nagahide (1535–1585) was a distinguished samurai and daimyo who served as one of Oda Nobunaga’s most trusted generals. He played key roles in campaigns such as the Siege of Ishiyama Hongan-ji and the conquest of Echizen Province. After Nobunaga’s death, he aligned with Toyotomi Hideyoshi and administered his own domain in Echizen. Renowned for his governance, he improved irrigation and agricultural systems to boost local economies. His blend of military skill and administrative talent contributed to the unification of Japan during the late Sengoku era.

John Aglionby (1884–1963) was an English-born Anglican cleric notable for his leadership in West Africa. He was ordained in 1909 after studying at Oxford University and later served as a military chaplain during World War I. In 1933, Aglionby was appointed Bishop of Accra in the Gold Coast (modern-day Ghana), where he focused on education and clergy development. He helped establish local schools and fostered the training of indigenous church leaders. Aglionby’s efforts strengthened the Anglican community and bridged British and African traditions. He retired in 1951 but remained an influential figure in ecclesiastical affairs until his death. His work laid the foundation for the continued growth of the Anglican Church in Ghana.

Zakaria Mohieddin was an Egyptian army general and key figure in the 1952 revolution. Born in 1918, he joined the military academy and rose through the ranks to become Minister of Interior. Mohieddin was one of the Free Officers who overthrew the monarchy in 1952. He held several high offices, including head of intelligence and Vice President under Gamal Abdel Nasser. In 1965, he was appointed as Egypt's 33rd Prime Minister, overseeing national development projects. Known for his organizational skills and loyalty, he helped shape modern Egypt’s governance. After retiring from politics, he served in advisory roles and authored memoirs. Mohieddin passed away in 2012, remembered as a founding architect of the Republic.