March 07

Ewald Christian von Kleist was born in what is now northwest Poland and educated in German literature and philosophy. He volunteered in the Prussian army during the Seven Years' War and rose to the rank of captain. His poetry, blending personal reflection with martial themes, became a hallmark of the burgeoning Sturm und Drang literary trend. Kleist was killed in action at the Battle of Kunersdorf in 1759, and his collected poems were published posthumously. His work influenced later German Romantic poets and cemented his reputation as a soldier-poet of his era.

Louis Auguste Le Tonnelier de Breteuil was born into a noble family near Brittany and began his career in the French military. He transitioned into diplomacy and held ambassadorial posts before rising to high office at the royal court. In 1788 he became Secretary of State and attempted financial and administrative reforms amid growing unrest. As chief minister from 1787 to 1789, he counseled the king during the convocation of the Estates-General. Breteuil fled France during the Revolution and lived in exile until his death in 1807, remembered for his role in the monarchy's final years.

John Cronyn Tovey, 1st Baron Tovey, served in the Royal Navy and rose to the rank of Admiral of the Fleet. He commanded Allied naval forces at the pivotal Battle of Cape Matapan in 1941, securing a decisive victory in the Mediterranean. Tovey's strategic insight and caution helped protect vital supply routes throughout the war. Later, he served as Second Sea Lord and contributed to postwar naval policy. Raised to the peerage in 1946, his leadership earned him widespread respect until his death in 1971.

Reinhard Heydrich was a senior Nazi official and one of the principal architects of the Holocaust. As head of the Reich Main Security Office, he organized the Einsatzgruppen and played a central role in the Wannsee Conference. Heydrich was appointed Deputy Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia, where he implemented brutal policies. His ruthless tactics earned him the nickname “The Butcher of Prague.” In 1942, he was fatally wounded by Czechoslovak resistance agents in Operation Anthropoid. His assassination led to brutal reprisals against the Czech population.

Jacques Chaban-Delmas was a decorated French Resistance hero and army general in World War II. After the war, he entered politics as a Gaullist and served as Mayor of Bordeaux for over 50 years. He held various ministerial roles before becoming Prime Minister under President Georges Pompidou. Chaban-Delmas championed social reform policies, including expanded social welfare and decentralization. His tenure ended in 1972 amid political tensions, but he remained influential in French public life. He is remembered for his leadership, resilience, and lifelong dedication to public service.