Events 868 – A copy of the Diamond Sutra is printed in China, making it the oldest known dated printed book. 1502 – Christopher Columbus leaves on his fourth and last voyage (till 07 November 1504). 1745 – War of the Austrian Succession: French forces defeat an Anglo-Dutch-Hanoverian army. 1792 – Robert Gray commands the… Read More
Introduction Frank Luke Jr. (19 May 1897 to 29 September 1918) was an American fighter ace credited with 19 aerial victories, ranking him second among United States Army Air Service (USAAS) pilots after Captain Eddie Rickenbacker during World War I. Luke was the first airman to receive the Medal of Honour and the first USAAS… Read More
Events 1291 – Scottish nobles recognise the authority of Edward I of England pending the selection of a king. 1294 – Temür, Khagan of the Mongols, is enthoned as Emperor of the Yuan dynasty. 1497 – Amerigo Vespucci allegedly leaves Cádiz for his first voyage to the New World. 1503 – Christopher Columbus visits the… Read More
Events 1009 – Lombard Revolt: Lombard forces led by Melus revolt in Bari against the Byzantine Catepanate of Italy. 1386 – England and Portugal formally ratify their alliance with the signing of the Treaty of Windsor, making it the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world which is still in force. 1540 – Hernando de Alarcón… Read More
Introduction Ian John McKay, VC (07 May 1953 to 12 June 1982) was a British Army soldier and a posthumous recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Born in Wortley, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire, McKay was the… Read More
Introduction Military Spouse Day or Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day in the United States. Many United States citizens take this day to acknowledge the significant contributions, support, and sacrifices of spouses of their Armed Forces. Each year, the US President normally commemorates this day with a ceremonial speech… Read More
Introduction The Department of Defence Civil Disturbance Plan, also known by its cryptonym GARDEN PLOT, was a general US Army and National Guard plan to respond to major domestic civil disturbances within the United States. Refer to Rex 84. Background The plan was developed in response to the civil disorders of the 1960s and fell… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 