October 23

Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger was a Roman senator and general best known for leading the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar. Born into a prominent Roman family, he was admired for his oratory skills and commitment to republican values. He served as governor of Cisalpine Gaul and fought alongside Caesar before deciding that tyranny threatened the Republic. After the assassination on the Ides of March, he briefly controlled parts of the Republic but faced a civil war against Mark Antony and Octavian. His forces were defeated at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, whereupon Brutus took his own life, leaving a legacy as both tragically flawed and heroically idealistic.

Yazaman al-Khadim was a prominent general and political figure in the Abbasid Caliphate, active in the late 9th century. He rose to prominence through successful campaigns against rebellious tribes and external invaders in the Jazira region. Known for his strategic acumen, Yazaman balanced battlefield leadership with administrative responsibilities. He held key governorships and influenced court politics, navigating the complex dynamics of Abbasid power struggles. His death in 891 marked the end of a significant era of military and political stability in the region.

Emmanuel-Auguste de Cahideuc, Comte Dubois de la Motte, served with distinction in the French Navy. He commanded fleets during key conflicts such as the War of the Austrian Succession. Dubois de la Motte demonstrated strategic skill in escort missions and overseas expeditions. He rose to the rank of admiral, influencing naval tactics and ship design. His career reflects the growth of French maritime power in the Age of Sail.

Richard McFadden was born in 1889 and rose to prominence as a centre-forward for Vale of Leven and Manchester City. Renowned for his pace and clinical finishing, he earned acclaim as one of Scotland's leading footballers before 1914. With the outbreak of World War I, he enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery, demonstrating bravery beyond the pitch. He sustained injuries during combat and succumbed to his wounds in 1916, honored for both his athletic and military valor. McFadden’s legacy remains a poignant link between early football history and wartime sacrifice.

Born in 1920 in Les Mureaux, France, Roland de la Poype joined the Free French Air Forces in 1943. He flew with the legendary Normandie-Niemen squadron on the Eastern Front, achieving several aerial victories against German forces. After the war, de la Poype co-founded the aircraft manufacturer Secema and contributed to France’s aeronautical industry. He was decorated with the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre for his wartime service. De la Poype dedicated his later years to preserving the memory of the squadron and mentoring young pilots. He passed away in 2012, remembered as both a hero in the skies and a visionary entrepreneur.