September 09

Thomas de Ros inherited the title of 9th Baron de Ros as a child and became a prominent figure in the mid-15th century. He served as a loyal Lancastrian commander during the Wars of the Roses, fighting at the Battle of Towton. Captured and later released by Yorkist forces, he continued to support King Henry VI. He was appointed to diplomatic missions and sat in the House of Lords on royal commissions. Thomas was killed in battle at Hexham in 1464, sealing his legacy as a committed Lancastrian noble. His life exemplifies the turbulent allegiances of English nobility in the 15th century.

Cornelis Tromp, born in 1629, was the son of Admiral Maarten Tromp and followed his father into naval service. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Admiral-General and commanded Dutch fleets in the Second and Third Anglo-Dutch Wars. Tromp was known for his bold tactics and personal bravado, often challenging English admirals to duels. After a falling-out with the Dutch government, he temporarily served the Danish-Norwegian navy. He returned to Dutch service, helping to rebuild the fleet after several naval defeats. Tromp’s career exemplified the maritime rivalry that defined 17th-century European power struggles. He died in 1691, leaving a legacy as one of the era’s most colorful naval commanders.

Born in Gothenburg in 1721, Chapman became the first professionally trained naval architect in Sweden. He authored the influential treatise "Architectura Navalis Mercatoria," standardizing shipbuilding methods. As a Royal Swedish Navy admiral, he introduced scientific principles to naval construction and design. Chapman's systematic approach improved ship performance and became a model for navies across Europe. His innovations laid the groundwork for modern naval architecture, earning him international acclaim. He passed away in 1808, leaving a lasting legacy in maritime engineering.

Born in Plymouth in 1754, Bligh joined the Royal Navy at a young age and rose to lieutenant. In 1787 he commanded HMS Bounty on a mission to transport breadfruit plants to the Caribbean. The 1789 mutiny led by Fletcher Christian left Bligh and loyal crew adrift in an open boat, yet he navigated over 3,500 nautical miles to safety. Later promoted to Admiral, he served as the fourth Governor of New South Wales from 1806 to 1808. His strict disciplinary methods sparked the Rum Rebellion, Australia’s only military coup. Despite controversy, Bligh contributed to naval navigation and colonial administration. He died in 1817, remembered for both his seamanship and turbulent governorship.

Born in Bangor (then part of Massachusetts) in 1777, Carr pursued both military and political careers. He served in the state militia, gaining recognition for his leadership and discipline. Elected to the 14th U.S. Congress, he represented Massachusetts from 1815 to 1817. After leaving Congress, he continued to support local defense and community initiatives. Carr balanced legislative duties with military service, exemplifying early American civic responsibility. He died in 1818, remembered for bridging soldiering and statesmanship.

Alf Landon was born in 1887 in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania and later moved to Kansas, where he entered business and politics. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War I before pursuing a career in the banking industry. In 1932, Landon was elected Governor of Kansas and advocated for fiscal responsibility during the Great Depression. As the Republican nominee for president in 1936, he campaigned on moderate reforms but lost in a landslide to Franklin D. Roosevelt. After his political career, he remained active in public affairs and was respected for his integrity and pragmatic leadership.

Herbert ‘Bert’ Oldfield was born in 1894 in Alexandria, New South Wales and served as a gunner in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. He made his Test debut in 1920 and played 54 Test matches for Australia until 1933, setting a then-record for dismissals by a wicket-keeper. Oldfield’s courage was highlighted during the 1932–33 Bodyline series when he continued playing after suffering a fractured skull. He later coached young cricketers and served as a selector, contributing to the development of the game in Australia. Oldfield is remembered for his exceptional skill behind the stumps and his dedication to the national team.

Born in 1908, Shigekazu Shimazaki rose through the ranks of the Imperial Japanese Navy before World War II. He commanded the Ko-hyoteki-class midget submarine unit launched from the aircraft carrier Mizuho during the Pearl Harbor operation in December 1941. Shimazaki's midget submarine crew engaged U.S. naval targets in Hawaii, marking a daring but ultimately unsuccessful mission. Throughout the war, he served in various submarine commands and staff positions, earning recognition for his tactical skills. The rigorous training and planning of his unit reflected his commitment to naval innovation. Shimazaki continued his service until 1945 as Japan faced defeat, his final years marked by the turmoil of the war's end. His role remains a notable chapter in submarine warfare history.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was born in 1949 and graduated from the Indonesian Military Academy before rising through the army ranks. As a general, he held key positions, including Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs. In 2004, Yudhoyono won Indonesia's first direct presidential election and focused on economic reform and anti-corruption measures. He was re-elected in 2009, becoming the first Indonesian president to serve two full terms. His administration oversaw steady growth and enhanced Indonesia's international standing. After leaving office in 2014, he remained active in political discourse and party leadership. Yudhoyono's tenure is noted for its stability and commitment to democratic development.

Vikram Batra was an Indian Army officer renowned for his heroic actions in the 1999 Kargil War. As a captain in the 13 JAK Rif, he led daring assaults on enemy positions under heavy fire. His radio message “Yeh Dil Maange More!” became legendary among his comrades. Batra was posthumously awarded India’s highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra. He is remembered as a symbol of courage and patriotism.