Geoffrey Baker

Field Marshal of the British Army

Geoffrey Baker - Field Marshal of the British Army
Born

June 20th, 1912
112 years ago

Died

May 8th, 1980
44 years ago — 67 years old

Category

Military & Warriors

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

Served as a senior officer in the British Army, achieving the rank of Field Marshal. Held the position of Chief of the General Staff, guiding military operations and strategy in the mid-20th century. Played a significant role during World War II, influencing army tactics and administrative capabilities. After the war, focused on reorganizing the army to meet post-war demands and challenges. Engaged in various military reforms throughout tenure.

Achieved the rank of Field Marshal in 1944

Served as Chief of the General Staff from 1946 to 1948

Contributed to military strategy during World War II

Other People Born on June 20th

Christopher Mintz-Plasse

American actor in Superbad and Kick-Ass
Born
June 20th, 1989 35 years ago

An actor born in 1989, gained recognition for the role of Fogell in the film Superbad. Starred as Chris D'Amico in the action-comedy Kick-Ass, which contributed to his prominence in the film industry. Participated in various other projects, including voice roles in animated films. Mintz-Plasse's performances often blend comedy with engaging character portrayals.

Continue Reading

Jack Torrance

American shot putter and football player
Born
June 20th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
1969 56 years ago — 57 years old

Competed in the shot put at the Olympic Games, finishing in eighth place. Also played professional football, debuting in the National Football League. Played the majority of a career as a lineman for the Chicago Bears. Transitioned to coaching following a successful athletic career.

Continue Reading

DeQuan Jones

Basketball player for Orlando Magic
Born
June 20th, 1990 34 years ago

Professional basketball player played in the NBA, primarily with the Orlando Magic. Played college basketball at the University of Miami, where standout performances led to his selection in the NBA. Made his debut during the 2012-2013 season and contributed as a forward. Played in 49 games in his single season with the Magic, showcasing skills in defense and athleticism. Subsequently continued career in various international leagues.

Continue Reading

Rehavam Ze'evi

Israeli general and Minister of Tourism
Born
June 20th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
October 17th, 2001 23 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1926, a general who served in the Israel Defense Forces and later entered politics. As the 9th Minister of Tourism, played a significant role in shaping Israeli tourism policy. His military career included key positions during pivotal conflicts such as the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. Transitioned to the Knesset and became a prominent figure in the National Religious Party. Advocated for a strong security policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Continue Reading

John S. Paraskevopoulos

Astronomer and academic in South Africa
Born
June 20th, 1889 135 years ago
Died
1951 74 years ago — 62 years old

An astronomer and academic originally from Greece, contributed significantly to the field of astronomy while based in South Africa. Held academic positions at various institutions and engaged in extensive research related to celestial phenomena. Published numerous papers and worked on developing astronomical education and outreach programs. Advocated for the importance of astronomy in education and contributed to the advancement of the discipline within the South African context.

Continue Reading

Cirilo Flores

American Bishop of the Catholic Church
Born
June 20th, 1948 76 years ago
Died
September 6th, 2014 10 years ago — 66 years old

Ordained a priest in 1976, served in various capacities within the Catholic Church in the United States, including positions in parish ministries and education. Elected as the first bishop of the Diocese of Fresno in 2011. Participated actively in promoting social justice and community outreach initiatives. Led the diocese until passing in 2014, during which time focused on issues affecting the Latino community and advocated for immigration reform.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 8th

Jean Langlais

French organist and composer of liturgical music
Born
February 15th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1991 33 years ago — 84 years old

Career spanned from the mid-20th century, focusing on organ music and sacred compositions. Studied at the Paris Conservatory, where expertise in organ performance and composition developed. Served as organist at various churches, including the Church of Saint-Denis in Paris. Contributed significantly to liturgical music with works that incorporated contemporary styles while maintaining traditional roots. Worked with a variety of instruments, showcasing a unique blend of modern and classical elements in compositions.

Continue Reading

Jair Rodrigues

Brazilian singer and songwriter
Born
February 6th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
May 8th, 2014 10 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1939, a Brazilian singer and songwriter gained prominence in the Música Popular Brasileira genre. Beginning a career in the 1960s, performed at the iconic São Paulo nightclub, 'Beco da Lapa', where he built a following. Released various albums, blending samba with other musical styles. Achieved significant acclaim with the album 'Jair Rodrigues e o Samba' and collaborated with notable artists such as Elis Regina. Delivered memorable performances on national television, becoming a familiar face in Brazilian music.

Continue Reading

Avery Brundage

Sports administrator and art collector
Born
September 28th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1975 49 years ago — 87 years old

Businessman and art collector served as the President of the International Olympic Committee from 1952 to 1972. Played a key role in the organization and direction of the Olympic Games, overseeing events such as the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and the controversial 1972 Munich Olympics. Brundage was instrumental in promoting the Olympic movement and expanding its global reach, while also being an avid art collector with a focus on American works. His tenure was marked by both achievements and criticisms, particularly regarding the handling of political issues in sports.

Continue Reading

Tore Svennberg

Swedish actor and film director
Born
February 28th, 1858 167 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1941 83 years ago — 83 years old

Born in Sweden, a prominent figure in early cinema and theater. Worked extensively in film and stage productions, contributing to the growth of the arts in the region. Directed several films and participated in numerous theatrical performances, highlighting the evolution of Swedish entertainment. Also took part in the burgeoning movement of cinema during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influencing the artistic landscape of the time.

Continue Reading

Josef Terboven

German soldier and Nazi politician
Born
May 23rd, 1898 126 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1945 79 years ago — 46 years old

Born in 1898, this individual served as a soldier during World War I. Following the war, he joined the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) and became active in Nazi politics. He was appointed as the Reich Governor of Norway from 1940 until the end of the war in 1945. In this role, he oversaw the German occupation and implemented policies aligning with Nazi ideology. After Norway's liberation, he was captured by Allied forces and committed suicide in 1948.

Continue Reading

Jules Dumont d'Urville

French Admiral and Antarctic Explorer
Born
May 23rd, 1790 234 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1842 182 years ago — 51 years old

An admiral and explorer, contributed to the understanding of the Antarctic region and the Pacific Ocean. Commanded several voyages, with notable expeditions aboard the Astrolabe and Zélée between 1837 and 1840. Played a significant role in the early exploration of Australasia and the South Pole, mapping numerous territories and introducing advancements in scientific exploration methodologies.

Continue Reading