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 Mervyn Sharp Bennion (05 May 1887 to 07 December 1941) was a United States Navy captain who served during World War I and was killed while he was in command of battleship USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in World War II. He posthumously received the Medal of Honour… Read More
Events 1194 – King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter. 1230 – William de Braose is hanged by Prince Llywelyn the Great. 1536 – Anne Boleyn, Queen of England, is arrested and imprisoned on charges of adultery, incest, treason and witchcraft. 1568 – Mary, Queen of Scots, escapes from Loch Leven… Read More
Events 1169 – Norman mercenaries land at Bannow Bay in Leinster, marking the beginning of the Norman invasion of Ireland. 1328 – Wars of Scottish Independence end: By the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton, England recognises Scotland as an independent state. 1486 – Christopher Columbus presents his plans discovering a western route to the Indies to the… Read More
Events 1492 – Spain gives Christopher Columbus his commission of exploration. He is named admiral of the ocean sea, viceroy and governor of any territory he discovers. 1513 – Edmund de la Pole, Yorkist pretender to the English throne, is executed on the orders of Henry VIII. 1557 – Mapuche leader Lautaro is killed by… Read More
Events 1091 – Battle of Levounion: The Pechenegs are defeated by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. 1386 – Battle of the Vikhra River: The Principality of Smolensk is defeated by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and becomes its vassal. 1429 – Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the Siege of Orléans. 1483 – Gran Canaria,… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 