September 26

William Hobson (1792–1842) was an Anglo-Irish naval officer and colonial administrator. As a lieutenant in the Royal Navy, he served in the Napoleonic Wars before joining New Zealand Company expeditions. Appointed Britain’s first Governor of New Zealand in 1840, Hobson co-authored the Treaty of Waitangi, establishing British sovereignty and Maori rights. He organized the colony’s administrative structures and advocated for diplomatic relations with indigenous leaders. Though his tenure was brief, Hobson’s leadership laid the groundwork for New Zealand’s emergence as a self-governing nation.

Mary DuCane Russell, Duchess of Bedford (1865–1937) was an English aviator and ornithologist. Dubbed the 'Flying Duchess', she learned to pilot aircraft at the age of 62 and set several women's altitude records. A passionate balloonist, she undertook daring flights across Europe, Africa, and North America. Russell conducted pioneering studies on bird flight, contributing to the field of ornithology and aerodynamics. She authored books detailing her adventures and scientific observations. Her life combined aristocratic duties with adventurous spirit, inspiring women in aviation and exploration.

Achille Compagnoni was an Italian mountaineer and accomplished skier who is famed for making the first successful ascent of K2 in 1954 alongside Lino Lacedelli. Born in 1914, he served as a ski instructor in the Alpini mountain troops during World War II and developed exceptional climbing skills. His ascent of K2, the world’s second-highest peak, was a milestone in mountaineering history. Compagnoni authored multiple books recounting his high-altitude expeditions and pioneering technical climbing methods. His legacy endures in the alpine community, inspiring generations of climbers worldwide.

Joe Brown rose to prominence in the 1950s as one of Britain's leading climbers, achieving first ascents on peaks in the Alps and the Himalayas. He was part of the 1953 British Everest expedition and took a key role in the first ascent of Kangchenjunga in 1955. Brown was celebrated for his bold, innovative climbing style and ability to tackle unclimbed faces. He authored several books, including "Three Climbs and a Sail", vividly recounting his adventures. His writings inspired a generation of climbers and brought the allure of high-altitude exploration to readers worldwide. Brown's legacy endures as a pioneer who expanded the limits of mountaineering.