September 10

Born in the late 9th century, Baldwin II succeeded his father as Margrave of Flanders and ruled from around 879 until his death in 918. He fortified coastal defenses to repel frequent Viking incursions and secured trade routes for burgeoning Flemish towns. He fostered the growth of monastic communities, contributing to the region’s cultural and economic development. His leadership helped establish Flanders as a distinct political entity within the Carolingian sphere. He died on September 10, 918, leaving a more stable and prosperous territory to his successors.

Born in 885, Gao Xingzhou rose through the military ranks during the chaotic Five Dynasties period in northern China. He served under successive regimes, commanding troops in campaigns against regional warlords and nomadic groups. His strict discipline and strategic acumen earned him respect among soldiers and superiors alike. He held key military governorships, overseeing frontier defenses and maintaining order. He died on September 10, 952, remembered as a stabilizing force during an era of fragmentation.

Federico da Montefeltro (1422–1482) rose to prominence as one of Italy’s foremost condottieri, becoming Duke of Urbino in 1444. He built a disciplined army and defended his territories with innovative tactics and strong leadership. Federico commissioned architectural masterpieces such as the Ducal Palace and fostered a vibrant court that attracted artists, scholars, and poets. Despite losing his right eye in battle, he maintained his reputation as a brilliant strategist. His support of humanist learning helped transform Urbino into a cultural center of the Renaissance. Federico died on 10 September 1482, leaving a legacy as a model Renaissance prince.

Sir Richard Grenville was an accomplished sailor, soldier, and Member of Parliament. He participated in early English voyages to the New World and sought to establish colonies. As an admiral, he fought against the Spanish Armada in 1588 and in single-ship actions. In 1591, he famously commanded the Revenge against overwhelming odds at the Battle of Flores. Grenville's bravery and leadership became legendary among Elizabethan sailors.

Born in 1792 in County Waterford, Ireland, William Hobson served as an officer in the Royal Navy and later the British Army. He was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand under the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and became its first Governor. Hobson established Auckland as the capital and laid down administrative and legal frameworks for the young colony. He played a central role in formalizing relations between the Māori and the British Crown. His tenure set patterns for governance that continued long after his death in 1842.

Born in 1888 in Kulm (now Chełmno, Poland), von Roettig served as an officer in World War I and remained in the Reichswehr during the interwar years. With the rise of the Wehrmacht, he rose through the ranks to command armored units during the invasion of Poland. On September 10, 1939, near the town of Opoczno, he was ambushed and killed by Polish forces, one of the first German general officers to fall in World War II. His unexpected death shocked the German high command and underscored the fierce resistance encountered in Poland. Von Roettig's service exemplified the military traditions of his era and the brutal realities of modern mechanized warfare.

Jack Vance (1933–2013) was a senior Canadian Army officer whose career spanned several decades. He held both command and staff appointments, shaping personnel and organizational policies. Serving during the latter half of the 20th century, he contributed to Canada’s defense readiness amid changing global challenges. Vance was known for his strategic insight and dedication to service. He earned respect from colleagues for his leadership and mentorship. Upon retiring, he was remembered as a committed military professional who served his country with distinction.

Born in 1927, Antoine Lahad served in both the French Army and the Lebanese Armed Forces. In 1984, he was appointed commander of the Israel-backed South Lebanon Army (SLA). Under his leadership, the SLA maintained a security zone until the Israeli withdrawal in 2000. Following the collapse of the SLA, Lahad lived in exile before eventually returning to Lebanon. He is remembered for his complex role in Lebanon’s protracted civil conflict. Lahad passed away in 2015, leaving a controversial legacy in Middle Eastern history.