November 18

Born in Berlin as a member of the Prussian royal family, he combined his passion for music with military service. He composed piano sonatas and chamber pieces that captured early Romantic sensibilities. A skilled cavalry commander, he led his troops with bravery during the War of the Fourth Coalition. At the Battle of Saalfeld in 1806, he was killed in action, becoming a symbol of martial valor. His dual legacy as a musician and soldier influenced both artistic and military circles in 19th-century Europe.

Born into Sardinian nobility, he pursued a military career in the army of the Kingdom of Sardinia and rose to general by demonstrating leadership during the First Italian War of Independence. He played a significant role in the Second Italian War of Independence and later in the unification campaigns that led to the creation of the Kingdom of Italy. As Prime Minister from 1864 to 1866, he navigated complex political challenges during the new nation's formative years. He also served as Minister of War and advocated for military reforms to strengthen Italy's army. His balanced approach to politics and military strategy helped stabilize the young kingdom. He died in 1878, remembered as both a skilled commander and statesman.

Born into the Romanov dynasty, Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich was a cousin of Tsar Nicholas II. He became Commander-in-Chief of the Russian armies at the outbreak of World War I. Known for his leadership during the early battles on the Eastern Front, he was later replaced by the Tsar himself. After the Russian Revolution, he emigrated and lived in exile. He spent his final years in the south of France, reflecting on the losses of the imperial and military era.

Ferenc Münnich (1886–1967) began his career as a military officer before embracing communism and rising in the Hungarian Soviet government. He held key positions in the Red Army during the Russian Civil War and later in Hungary's communist party apparatus. After the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Münnich became Prime Minister and worked to stabilize the Kádár regime. He oversaw economic reconstruction and political repression characteristic of early Cold War Hungary. Münnich's tenure symbolized the shift from revolutionary fervor to pragmatic governance within the Eastern Bloc communist leadership.

Tasker Watkins (1918–2007) was a decorated Welsh soldier who received the Victoria Cross for bravery in Normandy during World War II. After the war, he pursued a distinguished legal career, rising to become a respected judge in the High Court of England and Wales. He was later appointed a life peer, contributing to legislative work in the House of Lords. A dedicated public servant, Watkins also held civic positions in Wales and championed veterans' causes. His legacy reflects valor in battle and a commitment to justice and public service.