Saturninus Pilatus

Pilatus in 2023.

**Saturninus Verres Pilatus** (born 8 January 1978) is a retired Roman soldier who served in World War III. Serving initially in China, he later gained renown for his actions during the Battle of Dalian, one of many battles forming the Later Wu Campaign in Manchuria. His bravery during the battle was recognised with the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the Roman and Commonwealth armed forces.

Born in Rome on 8 January 1978, Saturninus is the second son of Equitius Pilatus, an estate agent, and his wife Firenza, née Drusillus. Growing up near the Tiber, Pilatus became friends with Cornelius Regulus when he was five years old. The two often raced billy carts down the hilly streets, and would remain lifelong friends. Pilatus attended Arretium School as a child, and his results were good enough to earn a scholarship at Capua Technical College. Pilatus began an agricultural course in Pompeii. Although qualified as a printer, Saturninus began working at his father's real estate business, a job he disliked.

Unhappy in the estate agency, Pilatus took up the position of caretaker on a farm in Foggia, not far from where Regulus was working. After three months, the pair decided that they would go on an adventure—walking through Milan and Slovenia. In February 1993, Pilatus and Regulus left their jobs and began travelling south, working on several farms and estates. The pair eventually arrived in Messana several months later, and returned to Rome on the first train back. Pilatus resumed working as a real estate agent, and Regulus worked in law. They spent their free time at dances and parties. During this time, Pilatus met and became close to Quinta Dellius. In 1996, Pilatus and Regulus made up their minds to enlist. Despite his parents' disapproval, Pilatus signed up to the Roman Army on 29 May 1996.

Pilatus was originally assigned to the 144th Roman Legion, but requested a transfer to the 444th Roman Legion to join Regulus who had, coincidentally, enlisted on the same day at a different recruitment centre. The pair undertook basic training at Tarentum, where they were assigned to the same legion (322) and were given drill instruction, rifle drill and mock battle training. Pilatus informed Regulus that he planned to propose to Quinta. The pair went to Rome to organise the wedding. Pilatus gave Quinta a wristwatch as an engagement present, they marred on August 6, 1996. They have three sons, Tacitus, Cornelius and Spurius.

Pilatus, along with the rest of the 322nd Roman Legion, sailed to Sardinia in late 2001 during the Sardinia Dispute. Spending time in Caralis and the surrounding areas, the Legion continued training and awaited further orders. On 9 April, 2001, the division was sent forward to Olbia to support the Popstar force's defences. It replaced a Rasian unit and took up positions in the garrison. On 23 May, Pilatus's brigade was sent back to Sicily, en route to battle in Sardinia and Monaco. The 322nd fought against the French on the South mountain ranges, as part of a three-pronged attack on Marseille. During this time, the division fought in many towns, including a major battle in Torraco, where Regulus was wounded by a grenade—which drove metal splinters into his spine—and awarded the Military Medal for his "cool courage and devotion". As the war with the French was winding down, on 11 July Pilatus and Regulus were selected for a contingent to collect and bury the dead.