Today in Military History
@abattleaday
Daily insights into historic battles and sieges, from ancient times (1st century) to the modern era (20th century). USAF veteran '93-'03. Follow back all vets.
The French and Indian War (1754-1763) between Great Britain and France provoked further conflict in continental Europe where it was referred to as the Seven Years' or Third Silesian War (1756-1763). “The purpose of war is to push back the unrighteous enemy, not to exterminate…
#OTD July 23rd, 1759 - The Seven Years' War The Battle of Kay (or Paltzig) “Scoundrels! Do you want to live forever?” - Frederick II (attributed) Under orders from Czarina Elizabeth, Field Marshal Count Pyotr Saltykov led 70,000 Russian troops into Brandenburg. Prussian…
Russia would drop out of the Seven Years' War in 1762, three years after the Battle of Kay, following the death of Czarina Elizabeth and the ascension of Peter the Great. “I do not see why Russia should shed blood for Austria. I am a friend of the King of Prussia.” - Peter the…
Although Scotland was invested by Edward I after the death of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce continued to resist the English invasion. “Scots, wha hae wi’ Wallace bled; Scots, wham Bruce has aften led: Welcome to your gory bed, Or to glorious victorie!” - Robert Burns,…
Scottish leader William Wallace was betrayed, captured, and executed by hanging followed by drawing and quartering in 1305. “To Edward of England, I cannot be a traitor; for he never was my sovereign… as the wrongful invader… he never received my homage, and while life remains…
#OTD July 22nd, 1298 - The First War of Scottish Independence The Battle of Falkirk "As God lives … they need not pursue me, for I will meet them this day." - Edward I (attributed) At Falkirk, Edward I's invading army of some 25,000 Englishmen forced William Wallace's roughly…
The camaraderie hands down. I forget the names of people i see almost every day. I have not forgotten the names of those I served with.
To all my living legends, “The Veterans,” what do you miss the most from your Active Service?
In 1568, three months after his victory at Jemmingen, the Duke of Alba's Spanish army defeated William of Orange's Dutch troops at the Battle of Jodoigne (aka the River Guete). “Orange lost over 2,000 men and some key commanders … although many of the Spanish were wounded,…
The overwhelming defeat at Jemmingen in 1568 ended the Dutch rebellion against the Spanish in the northern Netherlands for a time. "...Count Louis' forces, untrained and poorly supplied, were overwhelmed by the iron discipline and heavy artillery of the Spanish under Alva. A…
#OTD July 21st, 1568 - The Eighty Years' War The Battle of Jemmingen “God has granted us a great victory over the heretics. Their insolence is punished, and the land is made peaceful again—by fire and sword, if necessary.” - Fernando Alverez de Toledo, Duke of Alba After…
Timur, the founder of the Timurid Empire, died from natural causes three years after the Battle of Ankara. #History “There is no nation on earth that I cannot destroy.” - Timur (attributed)
Before the Battle of Ankara, the Ottoman Sultan Bayazid increased the size of his army through the conscription of Christians. “The infidel troops marched under the Sultan’s banner, their lords humbled and obedient.” - Aşıkpaşazade #History