July 17

Born in 1870 in Inverary, Scotland, Charles Davidson Dunbar joined the Highland regiments as a young man and quickly earned a reputation for his musical talent. He served in the Second Boer War where his piping boosted troop morale under challenging conditions. Dunbar was later appointed Pipe Major of the Royal Munster Fusiliers and served with distinction during World War I. He composed several enduring pipe marches and trained generations of military pipers. His dual legacy as a dedicated soldier and a master musician continues to inspire military bands around the world.

Sir James Fownes Somerville (1882–1949) was a senior Royal Navy officer, serving as First Sea Lord from 1941 to 1946. He commanded the Battle Cruiser Squadron and the Eastern and Mediterranean Fleets during World War II. His strategic insight was instrumental in Allied naval operations in the Mediterranean. Knighted for his service, he retired in 1946 and was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. Somerville is remembered for his leadership, professionalism, and contributions to Britain's naval success. He left a lasting legacy as one of the Royal Navy’s most respected admirals.

Rupert Atkinson (1896–1919) was an English aviator and Royal Air Force officer active in World War I. He trained as a pilot and flew reconnaissance and combat missions on the Western Front. Atkinson demonstrated bravery in the face of enemy fire and contributed to early air warfare tactics. His service exemplified the courage and innovation of pioneering military aviators. Atkinson's commitment to duty was cut short when he died in 1919. He is remembered among the ranks of the RAF's early pilots who shaped aerial combat.

Osmond Borradaile (1898–1999) was a Canadian soldier turned pioneering cinematographer in Hollywood. After serving in World War I, he entered the film industry and developed innovative camera techniques. Borradaile worked on notable films such as "The African Queen" and John Huston's classics. His expertise in location shooting and natural light cinematography earned critical acclaim. Over a career spanning five decades, he collaborated with leading directors and actors. Borradaile's contributions advanced film technology and inspired future generations of cinematographers.

Kenan Evren was a Turkish army leader who became the country’s 7th President following a military coup on September 12, 1980. As Chief of the General Staff, he and the National Security Council dissolved parliament, suspended the constitution, and ruled by decree. Evren oversaw the drafting of a new constitution in 1982 that centralized power and curtailed political freedoms. He served as president until 1989 and remained a controversial figure for his role in suppressing dissent and restructuring Turkey’s political system. His presidency had a lasting impact on civil-military relations in Turkey.

Carlos Manuel Arana Osorio (1918–2003) was a Guatemalan army general turned head of state. He rose through military ranks before being elected President in 1970. His administration focused on infrastructure development and national security, though it faced criticism for its repressive tactics against guerrilla groups. After leaving office in 1974, Arana Osorio remained influential behind the scenes in Guatemalan politics. He is remembered for his firm leadership during a turbulent era and for shaping the country’s political landscape during the Cold War.

Born in 1951, Andrew Robathan served as a captain in the Welsh Guards, seeing active duty in Northern Ireland and the Falklands War. He entered politics as a Conservative Member of Parliament in 1992, representing Blaby and later South Leicestershire until 2015. From 2010 to 2012, Robathan served as Minister of State for the Armed Forces, overseeing defence policy and military operations. He also held positions on defence and home affairs committees, contributing to legislation on national security. Since retiring from Parliament, he has worked in defence consultancy and public speaking, sharing his expertise on military and political matters. Robathan’s career bridges military service and government leadership, reflecting his commitment to public service.