August 22

Stilicho (c. 359–408) was a Roman general of Vandal heritage who rose to become magister militum and regent for the young Emperor Honorius. He led successful campaigns against invading barbarian tribes such as the Visigoths and protected Italy from external threats. Born to a Vandal father and a Roman mother, he navigated complex court politics to wield significant power in the late empire. Stilicho's efforts were instrumental in maintaining stability during a period of decline. His rivalry with other court factions ultimately led to his arrest and execution in 408 AD. Despite his controversial end, Stilicho's military achievements and political influence left a lasting mark on the Western Roman Empire.

James Harrington was a knight loyal to King Richard III during the Wars of the Roses. Little is known about his early life, but he rose to prominence under Richard's patronage. He fought at key battles in the conflict between the houses of York and Lancaster. After Richard's death at Bosworth, he likely faced the shift in power to the Tudor dynasty. His exact date of birth and familial background remain obscure. Harrington's life illustrates the experiences of lesser-known nobles in 15th-century England.

John Howard, born around 1430, became one of the most influential nobles of late medieval England. He fought for the Yorkist cause and was rewarded with the title Duke of Norfolk in 1483. Howard held key military positions and served as Lord Admiral and Earl Marshal. He remained a steadfast supporter of Richard III throughout his reign. At the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, he commanded the Yorkist vanguard. He was killed in the battle, and his death marked the fall of the Yorkist regime. His legacy continued through his descendants who became prominent English peers.

Richard Ratcliffe was a close companion and servant to Richard, Duke of Gloucester. He rose to prominence as a member of Richard III's household and was granted lands and titles. Ratcliffe served as Chancellor of Richard's household and Constable of England. He played a central role in the king's administration and military campaigns. At the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, he fought loyally by Richard's side. Following the Yorkist defeat, Ratcliffe was executed by the victorious Tudor forces.

William Brandon was the eldest son of Sir William Brandon and served as a knight in the Wars of the Roses. He became the standard-bearer for Henry Tudor during his campaign to claim the English throne. At the Battle of Bosworth Field on August 22, 1485, Brandon famously defended Henry from enemy attacks. He was killed in the battle, sacrificing himself to ensure the future King Henry VII's safety. His loyalty and bravery became legendary in Tudor propaganda. Brandon's sacrifice helped bring an end to the Wars of the Roses and usher in the Tudor dynasty.

John Dudley was born in 1504 into the powerful Dudley family and rose to prominence under King Edward VI. He served as Lord Admiral and led military campaigns in Scotland and France. In 1551, Dudley became Lord President of the Council, effectively ruling England in Edward's name. He was instrumental in advancing Protestant reforms and strengthening royal authority. After Edward VI's death, he attempted to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne to preserve his power. His plan failed, and he was executed for treason on August 22, 1553. Dudley's ambitious rule and dramatic fall have been the subject of historical study.

Born in 1583 to a noble Baltic family, De la Gardie became Lord High Constable of Sweden, leading campaigns in the Polish-Swedish Wars. He introduced mobile artillery tactics and reorganized infantry formations, enhancing the army's effectiveness. As a member of the Privy Council, he influenced both military strategy and domestic policies under King Gustavus Adolphus. His diplomatic efforts secured alliances and peace treaties. De la Gardie's reforms and battlefield successes helped establish Sweden as a major European power. He died in 1652, leaving a lasting impact on military history.

Born in 1628, Granville fought for King Charles I during the English Civil War and facilitated the Restoration of Charles II. Created Earl of Bath in 1661, he served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1670, managing military defenses and administration. He sat on the English Privy Council and negotiated with foreign powers. His tenure reflected the complexities of post-war governance and colonial administration. Granville died in 1701, leaving a reputation for loyalty and effective leadership.

Born in 1644, Boufflers rose to prominence under Louis XIV, becoming Marshal of France in 1698. He commanded armies in Flanders and led successful defenses during the War of the Spanish Succession, notably at Lille and Namur. Renowned for his balanced leadership and concern for his troops, he earned respect on and off the battlefield. His diplomatic skills aided in negotiating alliances and troop deployments. He died in 1711, remembered as one of France's most skilled military commanders of the era.

Born into the House of Noailles in 1713, Louis de Noailles became one of France's most respected generals under King Louis XV. He distinguished himself in the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War, earning the rank of Marshal of France in 1775. Known for his tactical acumen and leadership on the battlefield, he also played a role in military reforms. Despite his service, his noble lineage made him a target during the French Revolution. In 1793, amid the Reign of Terror, he was arrested and executed by guillotine, marking a tragic end to a celebrated career.

Born in Strasbourg in 1724 to an aristocratic family, Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser rose through the ranks of the Habsburg army, serving with distinction in the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. In the 1790s, as a Feldmarschall, he commanded forces against French Revolutionary armies in Italy. He led the relief of Mantua in 1796 but faced heavy losses that forced a strategic withdrawal. Wurmser's campaigns highlighted both his determination and the complexities of coalition warfare. Despite setbacks, he was respected for his courage and tactical boldness. He died in Freiburg in 1797, leaving a legacy as a determined, though occasionally embattled, military leader.

Born in 1890 in County Cork, Michael Collins emerged as a leading figure in the Irish struggle for independence. As Director of Intelligence for the Irish Republican Army, he orchestrated guerrilla warfare tactics that challenged British rule. Collins was a principal negotiator of the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty and became the second Minister for Finance of the Irish Free State, establishing the fledgling government's fiscal policies. His organizational brilliance and vision for a free Ireland laid the groundwork for the modern state. He was killed during the Irish Civil War on August 22, 1922, becoming a martyr for the republican cause.