September 13

Born in 1727 in Westerham, Kent, into a military family. Joined the army at age 14 and gained experience in Europe and North America. Known for rigorous training regimes and innovative battlefield tactics. Led British forces to capture Quebec City in 1759 during the Seven Years' War. Mortally wounded during the battle, he died at age 32 on the battlefield. His triumph reshaped North American geopolitics and made him a national hero.

Born in Lyon in 1735 and educated in Europe before joining the East India Company. Fought at the Battles of Plassey and Buxar, rising to the rank of major-general. Accumulated wealth through military service and mercantile ventures in India. Explored parts of northern India, mapping routes and establishing contacts. Bequeathed his fortune to found the La Martiniere schools in Lucknow and Calcutta. Died in 1800, his educational legacy endures in India and France.

Born into the influential Fox family in 1749 and educated at Eton and Oxford. Served briefly in the army before entering Parliament in 1768. Became leader of the Foxites, championing American independence and French revolutionary ideals. Appointed Foreign Secretary in 1806, navigating Europe’s Napoleonic conflicts. Famous for his eloquent speeches and unwavering support for parliamentary reform. His rivalry with William Pitt defined an era of British political history.

Oudinot rose from the ranks of the French Revolutionary armies to become Marshal of the Empire in 1809. He fought in many key battles of the Napoleonic Wars and was wounded multiple times in action. Known for his personal bravery, he earned the nickname "the Brave of the Brave". After Napoleon’s fall, he served as a peer of France and continued his military career. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on French military history.

Burnside led Union forces in key battles such as Fredericksburg and the Siege of Knoxville. His distinctive facial hair inspired the term "sideburns". After the war, he entered politics and served as Rhode Island’s 30th governor. He later became a U.S. Senator, continuing his dedication to public service. Burnside’s mixed military record and political career made him a notable figure in 19th-century America.

Nogi Maresuke was born in 1849 in Kajiya, Satsuma Domain (now Kagoshima). He graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy and rose through the ranks during Japan's military modernization. As commander of the 3rd Army, he led his troops to victory at the Siege of Port Arthur and the Battle of Mukden. Admired for his strict code of bushido and personal bravery, he became a symbol of loyalty in Japan. Following the death of Emperor Meiji in July 1912, Nogi and his wife committed ritual suicide to demonstrate their allegiance. His dramatic end and wartime leadership left an enduring impact on Japanese military tradition.

Andrew Lintner Harris was born in 1835 in Beallsville, Ohio. He studied law before enlisting as a private in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Rising through the ranks, Harris earned brevet promotions for his leadership in key battles. After the war, he practiced law and served in the Ohio State Senate. In 1905, he was elected Lieutenant Governor, and in 1906 he assumed the governorship following the incumbent's death. His administration focused on education reform and infrastructure improvements. Harris died in 1915, remembered for his military valor and public service.

Amon Göth served as the commandant of the Nazi concentration camp in Płaszów during World War II. He was responsible for orchestrating mass executions and brutal treatment of prisoners, many of whom were Jewish. Göth's cruelty was documented by survivors and led to his trial by a Polish court after the war. In 1946, he was found guilty of crimes against humanity and hanged. His actions became emblematic of the atrocities committed in the Holocaust. His story has been depicted in books and films, bringing wider public awareness to the horrors of the Nazi regime.

Robert George joined the Royal Air Force in its early years, eventually reaching the rank of air marshal through distinguished service in both World War I and II. He held key positions in RAF command, contributing to strategic planning and training programs. In 1953, George was appointed as the 24th Governor of South Australia, where he supported infrastructure projects and community initiatives. He was known for his dedication to veterans' affairs and his efforts to strengthen ties between military and civilian communities. After completing his term as governor, George remained active in public service, chairing several defense-related committees. His dual career highlights the close relationship between military leadership and civil governance in mid-20th century Britain.

Lin Biao rose through the ranks of the Chinese Communist Party as a commanding officer in the Red Army, playing major roles in the struggle against the Nationalists. After 1949, he was instrumental in organizing the People's Liberation Army and served as Defense Minister. Lin's advocacy for Mao's cult of personality elevated him to Vice Premier and number two in the party hierarchy. He was officially named Mao's successor in the late 1960s but fell from favor amid suspicions of plotting against the chairman. In 1971, Lin died in a plane crash in Mongolia while allegedly fleeing a failed coup attempt. The circumstances of his death remain a subject of debate and speculation, reflecting the intricate power struggles of the Cultural Revolution era.

Robert Irving was born in 1913 in Bristol, England. He served as an officer in the British Army during World War II before turning to music. After the war, he studied conducting and quickly established himself on the concert stage. Irving held principal conductor positions with prominent ballet companies in London and New York City. He was celebrated for his elegant interpretations of 20th-century repertoire, particularly works by Igor Stravinsky. His recordings and live performances helped shape the sound of ballet for a new generation. Irving's dual background in the military and the arts gave him a unique perspective that resonated in his work.

George Stanley was a Canadian Army officer who served during World War II and later became a respected historian. As a professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, he researched and wrote extensively on military history. In 1964, Stanley proposed the design for the modern Canadian flag, featuring the iconic maple leaf. His design was officially adopted in 1965, ushering in a unifying national symbol for Canada. Stanley's work bridged military service, academia, and national identity, leaving a lasting legacy.