October 22

Gustav Horn was born in 1592 into Swedish nobility and later received the title Count of Pori. He became one of Sweden's most respected commanders under King Gustavus Adolphus. Horn played key roles in major battles such as Breitenfeld (1631) and Leipzig (1642). He was appointed governor-general of Swedish Pomerania after the war and guided its administration. His military leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental to Sweden's rise as a great power.

Christiaan de la Rey, commonly known as Koos de la Rey, was a leading general of the South African Boer forces during the Second Boer War. Born in 1847, he earned a reputation for tactical brilliance and daring guerrilla warfare against the British Army. His decisive victories at battles such as Spioenkop and Tweebosch made him a national hero among Afrikaners. De la Rey’s leadership emphasized mobility, marksmanship, and local terrain knowledge. After the war, he advocated for reconciliation but remained committed to Afrikaner interests. He died in 1914 under controversial circumstances, with some suspecting assassination by British agents. De la Rey’s legacy endures in South African history as a symbol of Boer resistance and military skill.

Harald Nugiseks (1921–2014) joined the Estonian units within the German military during World War II at age 18. He served on the Eastern Front and was decorated for acts of bravery and leadership in combat. Nugiseks received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, one of the highest honors awarded by Nazi Germany. After the war, he spent time as a prisoner of war before returning to Estonia. In later years, he became a symbol of Estonian resistance and spoke about his wartime experiences. His memoirs and interviews provide insight into the complex histories of Baltic soldiers during the conflict. Nugiseks remained an influential figure in Estonian veteran circles until his passing.

John Blashford-Snell served as a captain in the Royal Engineers before launching his career as an explorer. He led groundbreaking expeditions in remote regions such as the Darién Gap and the River Nile, documenting uncharted territories. In 1978 he founded Operation Drake, combining scientific research with youth development, followed by Operation Raleigh. He authored several books recounting his adventures, inspiring generations to embrace exploration and conservation. He has been honored with awards for his environmental work and efforts to engage young people in global citizenship.