Introduction Lewis Addison Grant (17 January 1828 to 20 March 1918) was a teacher, lawyer, soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War, and later United States Assistant Secretary of War. He was among the leading officers from the state of Vermont, and received the Medal of Honour for “personal gallantry and intrepidity.”… Read More
Events 1127 – Jin–Song Wars: Invading Jurchen soldiers from the Jin dynasty besiege and sack Bianjing (Kaifeng), the capital of the Song dynasty of China, and abduct Emperor Qinzong of Song and others, ending the Northern Song dynasty. 1431 – The trial of Joan of Arc begins in Rouen. 1760 – Ahmad Shah Durrani defeats… Read More
Events 871 – Æthelred I and Alfred the Great lead a West Saxon army to repel an invasion by Danelaw Vikings. 1297 – François Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, leads his men to capture the fortress protecting the Rock of Monaco, establishing his family as the rulers of Monaco. 1454 – The papal bull Romanus… Read More
Events 49 BC –The Senate of Rome says that Caesar will be declared a public enemy unless he disbands his army. This prompts the tribunes who support him to flee to Ravenna, where Caesar is waiting. 1558 – French troops, led by Francis, Duke of Guise, take Calais, the last continental possession of England. 1738… Read More
Events 1066 – Following the death of Edward the Confessor on the previous day, the Witan meets to confirm Harold Godwinson as the new King of England; Harold is crowned the same day, sparking a succession crisis that will eventually lead to the Norman conquest of England. 1322 – Stephen Uroš III is crowned King… Read More
Introduction Max Immelmann (21 September 1890 to 18 June 1916) PLM was the first German World War I flying ace. He was a pioneer in fighter aviation and is often mistakenly credited with the first aerial victory using a synchronised gun, which was in fact achieved on 01 July 1915 by the German ace Kurt… Read More
Introduction Edward Benn (‘Ned’) Smith VC, DCM (10 November 1898 to 12 January 1940) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. World War I He is unusual in having gained both… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 