October 16

William de la Pole (1396–1450) was an English aristocrat, admiral, and influential royal counselor. Appointed the 1st Duke of Suffolk, he held naval commands and served as lieutenant in France during the Hundred Years' War. A trusted advisor to King Henry VI, de la Pole negotiated critical treaties and oversaw military expeditions. His political career was marred by accusations of corruption and mismanagement, leading to popular unrest. He was ultimately impeached by Parliament and murdered while being escorted from London. De la Pole's downfall exemplified the volatile nature of politics in 15th-century England.

Niwa Nagahide (1535–1585) was a prominent samurai and one of Oda Nobunaga's trusted generals during Japan's Sengoku period. He participated in key battles such as the Siege of Inabayama Castle and the Battle of Nagashino, demonstrating tactical skill and loyalty. Nagahide governed multiple provinces, overseeing reconstruction and development after military campaigns. Known for his administrative talent, he contributed to the unification efforts of Nobunaga's regime. After Nobunaga's death, he initially supported Oda's heir but later aligned with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. His legacy reflects both martial prowess and governance in a transformative era of Japanese history.

András Hadik was born in 1710 into a Hungarian noble family. He rose through the ranks of the Habsburg armed forces to become a field marshal. He is best known for leading a daring raid that captured Berlin in 1757 during the Seven Years' War. His swift cavalry maneuvers and innovative tactics earned him fame across Europe. He served the Austrian crown with distinction for over three decades. Hadik's legacy endures as one of the most skilled cavalry commanders of the 18th century.

Born in 1754, Morgan Lewis graduated from King's College (now Columbia University) before serving in the Revolutionary War. As a young officer, he fought in key battles including White Plains and Trenton, rising to the rank of captain. After the war, Lewis practiced law in New York and became active in state politics. He was elected Governor of New York in 1804, where he advocated for judicial reforms and infrastructure improvements. Lewis also served as a Brigadier General during the War of 1812, commanding New York militia forces. His multifaceted career bridged military, legal, and political spheres during the early United States.

Born in 1762 in South Carolina, Paul Hamilton fought as a captain in the Revolutionary War. After the war, he practiced law and entered politics, serving in the South Carolina state legislature. In 1809, President James Madison appointed him as the third Secretary of the Navy. During his tenure, Hamilton oversaw naval preparations leading up to the War of 1812. He advocated for shipbuilding programs and improvements to naval infrastructure. Hamilton's leadership helped strengthen the young U.S. Navy on the eve of conflict.

Kuroda Kiyotaka (1840–1900) was a prominent figure in the modernization of Japan. He began his career as a samurai and became a general in the Imperial Japanese Army. He played a key role in suppressing rebellions and consolidating power in the early Meiji government. As Prime Minister from 1888 to 1889, he focused on political reforms and strengthening the military. Kuroda also served as President of the Privy Council, advising the Emperor on state matters. His leadership helped shape Japan’s transition into a modern nation-state.

Samad bey Mehmandarov (1855–1931) graduated from the St. Petersburg Military Academy and rose through the ranks of the Imperial Russian Army. After the Russian Revolution, he became the third Minister of Defense of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918. Mehmandarov organized the national army, defended Baku during critical battles, and ensured the young republic’s security. Known for his strategic acumen and commitment to national independence, he also held various diplomatic posts. After Sovietization, he retired from public life but remained a respected military figure. His legacy endures in Azerbaijan’s military history and national memory.

Born in Mauriac, France, in 1897, Louis de Cazenave enlisted in the French Army during World War I. He served in the trenches and witnessed the harrowing conditions of the Western Front. After the war, he led a quiet life as a metalworker and became involved in veterans' associations. In his later years, he spoke publicly about his wartime experiences to promote peace. De Cazenave passed away in 2008 at the age of 110, marking the end of an era for France's living link to the Great War.

Enver Hoxha led the Albanian Communist Party to power at the end of World War II and governed Albania for over four decades. A former military officer, he built a one-party state characterized by strict Stalinist policies and isolation from both East and West. Hoxha nationalized industry, collectivized agriculture, and suppressed religion and dissent. He maintained a cult of personality and relied on extensive secret police networks. Under his rule, Albania became one of the most closed societies in Europe. His legacy remains controversial due to human rights abuses and economic hardship.

Otto von Bülow served in the Kriegsmarine and commanded U-404 from 1941 to 1943, sinking over 100,000 tons of Allied shipping. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his successes at sea. After the war, von Bülow joined the newly formed West German Navy (Bundesmarine) and rose to the rank of Flotilla Admiral. He contributed to the development of post-war naval strategy and training. Von Bülow wrote memoirs detailing submarine warfare tactics and leadership. He retired in the 1960s and continued to advise on naval history until his death.

Patrick 'Paddy' Finucane was born in Dublin in 1920 and joined the RAF at 18. He quickly distinguished himself in the Battle of Britain and earned a reputation for daring tactics. By age 21, he had been promoted to Wing Commander, making him one of the Royal Air Force's youngest leaders. Finucane flew with No. 65 and No. 417 Squadrons, achieving 32 confirmed kills and receiving multiple decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross. His leadership and skill made him a celebrated wartime hero. Finucane was tragically killed in action over the English Channel in 1942 at the age of 21.