October 02

Born in 1606 into the cadet branch of the House of Nassau, he embarked on a military career in the Dutch States Army. Frederick participated in key sieges and border engagements during the final phase of the Eighty Years' War against Spain. He later served in various campaigns of the Thirty Years' War, aligning with Protestant forces in Germany. Known for his strategic acumen and discipline, he earned respect among fellow officers. His service helped secure crucial victories that shaped Northern European politics. George Frederick died in 1674, remembered as a dedicated soldier of a tumultuous era.

Wu Sangui (1612–1678) was a Chinese military commander who initially served the Ming dynasty. After Beijing fell in 1644, he opened the gates at Shanhai Pass to Qing forces, enabling their conquest of China. Later, he led the Revolt of the Three Feudatories against the Qing court, controlling vast territories in the southwest. His rebellion from 1673 to 1681 posed the greatest internal challenge to early Qing authority. Wu's actions highlight the complexities of allegiance, power, and survival during dynastic transition. His controversial legacy endures as both a betrayer of the Ming and a bold rebel against Qing rule.

Anne Jules de Noailles (1650–1708) was a celebrated French military leader and nobleman. As Marshal of France, he fought in the Franco-Dutch War and the War of the League of Augsburg, showcasing his tactical skill on the battlefield. During the early stages of the War of the Spanish Succession, he commanded French forces in Catalonia, defending key positions along the Pyrenean frontier. His disciplined leadership and unwavering loyalty to Louis XIV earned him an esteemed reputation at court. Succeeding his father as Duke of Noailles, he bolstered his family's standing in French aristocracy. Noailles' blend of nobility, military prowess, and dedication exemplified the martial spirit of the Sun King's era.

Josiah Burchett (1666–1746) served as Secretary of the Admiralty for nearly fifty years, shaping Royal Navy administration during key conflicts with France and Spain. Although he never achieved flag rank, his organizational skills and access to Admiralty records allowed him to compile 'A Complete History of the Most Remarkable Transactions at Sea', one of the first comprehensive naval histories. He worked closely with notable admirals like Edward Russell and witnessed the transformation of the Royal Navy into the world's dominant maritime power. Burchett’s administrative reforms improved discipline, provisioning, and record-keeping across the fleet. His historical writings provided unprecedented detail on naval engagements from the late 17th to early 18th centuries. His legacy endures in both naval governance and historiography.

John André (1750–1780) served as adjutant general to General Sir Henry Clinton and led British intelligence operations in America during the Revolutionary War. His clandestine negotiations with Benedict Arnold nearly secured the strategic fort at West Point for Britain. Captured carrying incriminating papers hidden in his boot, André was tried and convicted as a spy by Continental forces. Despite his youth and promising career, he was hanged on October 2, 1780, in Tappan, New York, chosen to make an example of espionage. André’s dignified bearing and letters from captivity garnered sympathy from both sides. His tragic end underscores the high stakes and personal drama of wartime intelligence.

Charles Lee (1732–1782) served with distinction in the British Army during the Seven Years' War before offering his services to the American revolutionaries in 1777. Appointed a major general in the Continental Army, he commanded troops in several engagements, including the Philadelphia campaign. Lee's strategic disagreements with George Washington and his conduct at the Battle of Monmouth led to his court-martial for disobedience and subsequent suspension from command. He spent his final years estranged from military leadership and died suddenly in November 1782 under uncertain circumstances. Lee's assertive personality and critical writings on American strategy reveal the tensions within the revolutionary leadership. His complex legacy highlights the challenges of forging unity amid personal ambition and ideological conviction.

Augustus Keppel (1725–1786) had a distinguished naval career, fighting in the War of the Austrian Succession, Seven Years' War, and American Revolutionary War. Rising to the rank of admiral, he was known for his courageous tactics and leadership at sea. Keppel also served in the House of Commons and later as First Lord of the Admiralty, shaping naval policy and administration. His command at the Battle of Ushant in 1778 led to a sensational court-martial, though he was ultimately acquitted and celebrated as a hero. A close confidant of King George III, he advocated for veterans’ welfare and naval reforms. Keppel's memoirs and correspondence provide valuable insights into 18th-century naval warfare and politics. His blended legacy as both a seaman and statesman exemplifies the era's intersection of military and public service.

Alexandru Averescu was a Romanian military officer born in 1859 who rose to prominence during World War I. As commander of the Second Army, he secured key victories at the battles of Mărăști and Mărășești in 1917. Celebrated as a national hero, he transitioned into politics and founded the People's League party. Averescu served three terms as Prime Minister of Romania, implementing social reforms and infrastructure projects. He advocated for veterans' rights and modernization of the armed forces. His leadership during wartime and in peacetime left a lasting mark on Romanian history.

Born in 1902 in County Cork, Dan Keating joined the Irish Republican Army and took part in guerrilla campaigns against British forces. He was involved in numerous operations and became known for his resilience and commitment to Irish independence. After the Anglo-Irish Treaty, he remained active in republican circles and opposed partition. Keating documented his experiences in memoirs that provide valuable insight into the struggle. He was revered by fellow veterans and attended commemorations well into his later years. His longevity made him one of the last surviving veterans of the War of Independence, and he passed away in 2007 at the age of 105.