June 05

Born on 5 June 1587, Robert Rich succeeded his father as the 2nd Earl of Warwick in 1619. A seasoned naval officer, he led fleets against pirates and took part in expeditions to the West Indies. As a colonial governor, he was involved in the early governance of the Providence Island colony. Rich supported Puritan causes in England and lent his ships for parliamentary fleets during the Civil War. His patronage extended to merchants and colonists, influencing early American settlements. He died in 1658, leaving a legacy in England's naval and colonial history.

Carmine Crocco (1830–1905) was an Italian soldier and brigand leader who became a symbol of southern Italian resistance after the unification of Italy. A former Bourbon army soldier, Crocco turned to banditry and led a large band of outlaws in Basilicata and Campania, challenging the new Italian state. His knowledge of local terrain and peasant grievances allowed him to conduct prolonged guerrilla warfare against authorities. Despite repeated efforts by the Italian army to capture him, Crocco evaded pursuit for years. Captured in 1863, he was sentenced to life imprisonment and remained incarcerated until his death. Crocco’s legacy is remembered in folk songs and debates over southern identity and state authority.

Born in 1877 in Canada, Willard Miller later joined the United States Navy where he distinguished himself through acts of valor. During an engagement at sea, his courageous actions under enemy fire earned him the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the U.S. Navy. His dedication to duty and leadership inspired his fellow sailors, and he remained an advocate for naval service throughout his life. Miller’s legacy of heroism continued to be celebrated after his death in 1959, marking him as one of the notable figures in early 20th-century maritime military history.

Born José Doroteo Arango Arámbula in 1878, Pancho Villa emerged as one of the most dynamic leaders of the Mexican Revolution. Commanding the División del Norte, he led guerrilla campaigns that were pivotal in overthrowing the Díaz regime. As Governor of Chihuahua, Villa implemented progressive social reforms and championed land redistribution for rural communities. His charismatic leadership and daring raids made him both a folk hero and a controversial figure. After the revolution, he negotiated with the new government but remained a potent symbol of resistance until his assassination in 1923. Villa’s legacy endures in Mexican history and popular culture.

Born in 1895 in London, William Roberts served as a soldier during World War I before studying art at the Slade School. He embraced modernist styles, producing paintings that captured the chaos and machinery of the postwar world. Roberts became a member of the influential London Group, contributing to British avant-garde exhibitions. His work often featured bold colors and dynamic compositions, reflecting the impact of war and urban life. He taught art and influenced a generation of painters through his roles in various art institutions. Roberts continued to explore Cubism and modernist themes until his death in 1980. His paintings are held in major British museums, marking him as a key figure in 20th-century art.

Paul Couvret was born in The Hague and joined the Dutch resistance before escaping to join Allied forces in World War II. He served as a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force after emigrating to Australia in 1950. Couvret entered politics as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council in 1981, advocating for cultural diversity and veterans' rights. He was instrumental in establishing community programs for immigrants and promoting historical awareness. After retiring from politics in 1991, he continued to be active in veteran affairs. Couvret died in 2013, remembered for his service both in uniform and as a public servant.