January 05

Born in Scotland in 1764, Johnston joined the New South Wales Corps and arrived in Sydney in 1800. He played a pivotal role in the 1808 Rum Rebellion that deposed Governor William Bligh. After the coup, he served as Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales and oversaw colonial governance. Johnston also worked to establish legal and administrative systems in the young colony. He died on January 5, 1823, remembered as a controversial figure in Australia’s colonial history.

Joseph Radetzky von Radetz was born in 1766 and served the Habsburg monarchy for over seven decades. He achieved lasting fame for victories in the First Italian War of Independence, notably at the Battle of Custoza in 1848. His strategic reforms strengthened the Austrian army’s organization, training, and morale. Beloved by soldiers and civilians alike, he became a symbol of imperial stability amid Europe’s upheavals. His legacy endures in Johann Strauss’s Radetzky March and in military history as one of the empire’s greatest commanders. He died in Milan in 1858 at the age of 92.

Victor Alexander John Hope, 2nd Marquess of Linlithgow, was born in 1887 into a prominent Scottish noble family. Educated at Eton and Cambridge, he served as a colonel in World War I before entering public service. In 1936 he was appointed Governor-General of India, a position he held throughout World War II, overseeing defense preparations and coordinating with Indian leaders. His tenure saw significant political challenges, including the rise of Indian nationalism and the Quit India Movement in 1942. Hope sought to balance imperial interests with gradual political reforms, leaving a complex legacy. After returning to Britain in 1943, he continued to influence military and political circles until his death in 1952.

Sir Edmund Herring was an Australian Army officer who served with distinction during both World Wars, attaining the rank of Lieutenant General. He commanded troops in the North African campaign and led the ANZAC Corps in the Greek and Crete campaigns. After retiring from the military in 1946, Herring entered politics and served as Deputy Premier of Victoria. In 1950, he was appointed the seventh Chief Justice of Victoria, a position he held until 1964. As Chief Justice, he was noted for his reforms of the court system and his commitment to legal accessibility. Herring's career bridged military service, political leadership, and judicial excellence, making him one of Australia's most respected public figures.

Asghar Khan (1921–2018) began his career in the Royal Indian Air Force and went on to become the Pakistan Air Force's first native commander-in-chief from 1957 to 1965. During his military leadership, he led a program of professionalization and modernization within the air force. After retiring, he entered politics by founding the Tehreek-e-Istiqlal party in 1970. He became a vocal advocate for democracy and civilian rule, challenging military dictatorships. Khan served multiple terms in the National Assembly, promoting electoral reforms and human rights. His dual legacy as a military pioneer and democratic leader continues to influence Pakistani politics.