Texas: San Antonio – the Battle of the Alamo
On this day in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, then part of Mexican Texas. This battle was part of the wider Texas Revolution. The siege of the Alamo ended on the 6th March 1836 with a Mexican victory. Killed in the battle were James Bowie, William B. Travis and Davy Crockett.
For more, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Alamo
South Africa: Anglo-Zulu War – Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift
On this day in 1879, the first major battles of the Anglo-Zulu War took place. This war was fought between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa.
The Battle of Isandlwana resulted in a crushing victory for the Zulu army and defeat for the first British invasion of Zululand.
The Battle of Rorke’s Drift was a defence of a mission station immediately following the loss at Isandlwana. About 150 troops defended the station against some 4000 Zulus.
American Civil War: Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson Died
On this day in 1863, Confederate General Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson died from wounds sustained from friendly fire during the American Civil War. Following a magnificent victory at Chancellorsville on the 2nd May 1863, Jackson was making his way back to his own lines when he was accidently shot by Confederate pickets who mistook him and his staff for Union troops.
Having been returned to Confedrate lines, Jackson survived the amputation of an arm only to die of pneumonia on the 10th May 1863. It was a loss the south could ill afford. He was one of the greatest generals of the war.
Greece: Greek War of Independence – The Battle of Gravia Inn
Today in 1821, during the Greek War of Independence (against the Ottoman Empire), the Battle of Gravia Inn took place. In this amazing battle, Odysseas Androutsos led 120 men against an army of 9 000 men belonging to the Ottoman Army.
Fresh from victory over Greek forces at the Battle of Alamana, the Ottoman Army under Omer Vrioni was moving to attack the Peloponnese. However, they ran into the small force led by Androutsos at Gravia (Greece), who had fortified themselves within the inn.
A number of attacks on the inn took place with the Ottoman Army suffering heavy casualties and the Greeks very few (6 only). Vrioni odered up his artillery and during this time the Greeks managed to slip away through the Ottoman lines.
As a consequence of his heavy losses (some 300 dead and 800 more wounded), Vrioni retreated and withdrew. During this time the Greeks consolidated their position in the Peloponnese, including the capture of the Ottoman capital in the Peloponnese – Tripoli.
History for Today 