October 14

Pang Xun led one of the largest peasant rebellions against the Tang Dynasty in 868–869, primarily across Xusi and Guangling circuits. Originally a military commander, he mobilized disaffected soldiers and local peasants to challenge imperial policies. The rebellion was fueled by grievances over unpaid wages, harsh conscription, and local corruption. Pang's forces captured multiple cities and posed a serious threat to Tang control in the region. Imperial troops eventually suppressed the revolt, and Pang Xun was killed in battle in 869. His uprising highlighted systemic issues within the Tang administration and contributed to its gradual decline.

Harold Godwinson ascended the English throne in January 1066 following the death of Edward the Confessor. He faced multiple invasions, most notably from William of Normandy, leading to the pivotal Battle of Hastings. Harold commanded the English army but was struck by an arrow and killed during the battle on October 14, 1066. His brothers, Leofwine and Gyrth Godwinson, also fell defending their king, marking the end of Anglo-Saxon rule. The Norman victory ushered in William the Conqueror's reign and a transformative era in English history. Harold's death remains one of the most famous moments in medieval warfare and royal succession.

Kujō Yoritsugu (1239–1256) became shogun at the age of 13, succeeding his father Kujō Yoritsune in 1252. His tenure was dominated by the Hōjō regents, who held the real power behind the shogunate. Despite his prestigious title, Yoritsugu was largely a figurehead and struggled to exert independent authority. He navigated court politics under the watchful eye of the regents, with limited ability to implement his own policies. Yoritsugu died at just 16 years old, his brief life illustrating the complex interplay between puppet rulers and powerful regents in medieval Japan.

Edward Bruce (1275–1318) was the younger brother of King Robert the Bruce and a skilled military commander. In 1315 he led a Scottish invasion of Ireland aiming to weaken English influence and was proclaimed High King in 1316. Bruce’s campaign gained initial support from Irish chieftains but faltered due to supply shortages and fierce opposition. His efforts to establish a Scottish-Irish alliance represented a bold challenge to English authority. Edward’s reign ended at the Battle of Faughart in 1318, where he was killed, sealing the failure of his Irish venture.

Born into a prominent Scottish family, Keith initially served in the Jacobite uprising of 1715. After exile, he joined the Russian army and later entered Prussian service in 1730. He earned renown for his leadership and bravery during the Silesian Wars. In 1756 he was appointed field marshal by Frederick the Great. Keith was killed in action at the Battle of Hochkirch, cementing his legacy as one of Prussia's finest commanders.

On October 14, 1943, inmates at Sobibór extermination camp staged a daring revolt against their captors. During the uprising, prisoners coordinated attacks on SS personnel and guards. Among those killed were SS officers Rudolf Beckmann, Siegfried Graetschus, and lieutenant Johann Niemann. The rebellion led to the escape of around 300 prisoners, though many were recaptured. Sobibór's revolt remains one of the few successful uprisings in a Nazi death camp.

Born in 1891, Rommel earned the nickname 'Desert Fox' for his tactical genius in North Africa. He led the Afrika Korps from 1941 to 1943, achieving several key victories against Allied forces. Rommel was respected by both friends and foes for his chivalrous conduct in war. Later, he commanded forces in Normandy and contributed to the Atlantic Wall defenses. Implicated in the July 20 plot against Hitler, he was forced to commit suicide in 1944. His military writings continue to influence modern warfare studies.

Ahmed Hamdi was an Egyptian army engineer general born in 1929. He graduated from the Military Academy and specialized in combat engineering. During the October 1973 War, Hamdi led efforts to breach the Bar Lev Line on the Suez Canal. His strategic planning and courage under fire were crucial to Egyptian successes in the early days of the conflict. Hamdi was killed on the second day of the war while directing engineering operations near the canal. He is remembered as a national hero in Egypt, honored for his sacrifice and tactical ingenuity.

Born in 1913, Dalzel-Job joined the Royal Navy at age 19 and quickly mastered multiple languages. During World War II, he served in the Special Operations Executive, planning and executing covert raids. He was instrumental in rescue missions and intelligence gathering in the Mediterranean region. Dalzel-Job's daring exploits and charm are said to have inspired Ian Fleming's creation of James Bond. After the war, he wrote memoirs detailing his adventures and worked as an Arctic expedition navigator.

Born in 1915, Furman studied engineering at an Ivy League university before joining military intelligence in 1940. He served with the Office of Strategic Services, overseeing technical operations and codebreaking efforts. After World War II, he became a founding member of the Central Intelligence Agency's technical division. Furman played a key role in developing aerial reconnaissance and signals intelligence programs during the early Cold War. He retired in the 1960s, leaving a legacy of innovation in intelligence technology.

Born in 1933, Mathieu Kérékou rose through the ranks of the Beninese army to become head of state in 1972 following a coup. He declared the country a Marxist-Leninist state and ruled as a dictator for nearly two decades, implementing socialist policies and nationalizations. In 1991, Kérékou peacefully relinquished power and oversaw the transition to multi-party democracy. He returned to politics in 1996, winning the presidential election and serving until 2006 with a focus on economic liberalization and reconciliation. His complex legacy includes both human rights criticisms and recognition for stabilizing a nation grappling with postcolonial challenges. Kérékou was also known for his diplomatic outreach across Africa. He died in 2015, leaving a lasting imprint on Benin’s modern history.

Born in 1930, Radhakrishna Hariram Tahiliani embarked on a naval career marked by dedication and advancement through the ranks. He commanded various naval vessels and held key staff appointments, contributing to operational readiness. Tahiliani played a significant role in maritime strategy and planning for the Indian Navy. His leadership was noted for fostering modernization efforts and personnel development. He represented India at international naval conferences and exchanges, strengthening global maritime ties. After retiring, he offered his expertise in defence analysis and mentorship to younger officers. Admiral Tahiliani passed away in 2015, remembered for his commitment to his country's naval service.