December 02

Montgomery began his military career in the British Army, serving in the Seven Years' War in North America. He emigrated to the American colonies and joined the revolutionary cause in 1775. As brigadier general, he led the invasion of Canada and captured Montreal in November 1775. During the assault on Quebec City on December 31, he was killed by British artillery, becoming a martyr for American independence. His early victories boosted colonial morale at a critical juncture of the war. Montgomery is commemorated with statues in New York and Philadelphia honoring his sacrifice.

Erima Harvey Northcroft served as an officer in the New Zealand Army during World War I before establishing a distinguished legal career. After the war, he studied law and became a respected barrister and later a judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. In 1946, Northcroft was appointed as New Zealand’s representative judge on the International Military Tribunal for the Far East in Tokyo, where he presided over the trial of Japanese war criminals. His judgments helped establish legal precedents in international law. Northcroft’s dual legacy as both a soldier and jurist underscores his contributions to military service and global justice. He passed away in 1953.

Ivan Bagramyan was a senior Soviet military commander who rose to the rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union in 1955. Born in the Russian Empire to an Armenian family, he joined the Red Army in 1918 and fought in the Russian Civil War. During World War II, he commanded armies and fronts that liberated key territories, including the Baltics and parts of East Prussia. Bagramyan’s careful planning and coordination were instrumental in successful offensive operations, earning him numerous awards, including the Hero of the Soviet Union. He was one of the first non-Slavic marshals, reflecting his exceptional merits. After the war, he held high military and government positions, contributing to Soviet defense policies. Bagramyan’s writings on military strategy influenced postwar Soviet military thought. He passed away in Moscow in 1982.

Indra Lal Roy was an officer in the British Royal Flying Corps and is celebrated as the first Indian fighter pilot to achieve ace status in World War I. Born in Calcutta, he was educated in England before enlisting in 1917 and training as a pilot. Assigned to No. 56 Squadron, Roy flew the iconic S.E.5a fighter and demonstrated exceptional skill, recording six confirmed victories against enemy aircraft. His daring tactics and aerial prowess earned him respect from fellow pilots and superiors alike. Sadly, Roy’s career was cut short when he was killed in action over France in 1918 at the age of nineteen. He was posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre by France for his bravery. Roy’s achievements inspired future generations of Indian aviators in the Royal Air Force and beyond. His legacy endures as a pioneering figure in military aviation history.

Alexander Meigs Haig Jr. graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in Korea and Vietnam. He became Supreme Allied Commander Europe for NATO before being appointed Secretary of State in 1981. Haig played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the early Reagan administration and navigated Cold War tensions. His public assertion "I'm in control here" during the 1981 Reagan assassination attempt remains widely remembered. After resigning in 1982, he advised leaders in both public and private sectors and wrote several books on military strategy and diplomacy. His career bridged high-stakes military commands and top-level diplomatic service, leaving a lasting impact on U.S. defense and statecraft.

Peter Robin Harding, Baron Harding of Petherton (1933–2021), was Marshal of the Royal Air Force. He joined the RAF in 1951 and rose through operational and staff roles. Harding served as Chief of the Air Staff from 1988 to 1992. He was appointed Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of the British armed forces, from 1992 to 1994. During his tenure, he oversaw strategic defence reviews and modernization efforts. After retiring, he contributed to defence consultancy and wrote on military affairs. Harding received multiple knighthoods and international military awards.

Born in 1959, Kelefa Diallo rose through the ranks to become Chief of Staff of the Guinean Army. He played a key role in reforming the military and strengthening national defense. Diallo’s leadership was marked by efforts to modernize equipment and professionalize the armed forces. He supported peacekeeping missions and regional security initiatives in West Africa. His tenure ended with his passing in 2013, leaving a legacy of military advancement in Guinea.