Geoffrey de Havilland

Pilot and engineer; designed Mosquito

Geoffrey de Havilland - Pilot and engineer; designed Mosquito
Born

July 27th, 1882
142 years ago

Died

May 21st, 1965
60 years ago — 82 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

An English pilot and engineer played a significant role in the development of military aircraft during World War II. Established the de Havilland Aircraft Company, which produced several notable aircraft designs. The most prominent of these was the de Havilland Mosquito, a twin-engine bomber known for its speed and versatility. Beyond military applications, contributions also extended into civil aviation with the design of the de Havilland Comet, the world's first commercial turbojet airliner. His engineering advancements greatly influenced aircraft performance and technology in aviation.

Designed the de Havilland Mosquito

Established de Havilland Aircraft Company

Developed the de Havilland Comet

Other People Born on July 27th

Ross Alexander

American stage and film actor
Born
July 27th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
1937 88 years ago — 30 years old

Active during the early to mid-20th century, this individual achieved prominence in both stage and film. After starting in theater, transitioned to Hollywood where several performances garnered attention. Featured in notable films such as 'The Show of Shows' and 'The Man Who Dared'. A skilled performer on stage and screen, showcased talent in dramas and musicals. Also appeared in several Broadway productions, contributing to the theatrical landscape of the time.

Continue Reading

Josef Priller

German colonel and pilot in WWII
Born
July 27th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1961 64 years ago — 45 years old

Served as a Luftwaffe pilot during World War II. Achieved the rank of colonel and gained prominence for his role in the Battle of Britain. Participated in numerous aerial operations, demonstrating significant skill in fighter combat. Credited with being one of the notable Luftwaffe aces and recognized for his contributions to air warfare strategies. After the war, transitioned to military aviation roles, contributing to training and operational planning.

Continue Reading

Jacoby Ford

American football wide receiver
Born
July 27th, 1987 37 years ago

Played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). Started professional career with the Oakland Raiders in 2010. Achieved recognition for speed and agility on the field. Contributed to the team during his tenure, particularly noted for his role in special teams and receiving. Played college football at Clemson University, where distinguished athletic performance earned multiple accolades.

Continue Reading

Taylor Schilling

American actress from 'Orange is the New Black'
Born
July 27th, 1984 40 years ago

Born in 1984, an American actress gained recognition for a leading role in the Netflix series 'Orange is the New Black' as Piper Chapman. This role showcased her talent and earned acclaim for her performance. Besides this series, Schilling appeared in the film 'The Lucky One' alongside Zac Efron, where she played Beth. Earlier works included a role in the series 'Mercy'. Schilling's contributions to television and film have established her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Marvin Barnes

Professional basketball player, NBA
Born
July 27th, 1952 72 years ago
Died
September 8th, 2014 10 years ago — 62 years old

A professional basketball player played for teams including the Detroit Pistons and the Rhode Island Gulls during the 1970s and 1980s. Achieved recognition in the American Basketball Association (ABA) while with the Gulls, where notable performances contributed to the team's success. Participated in the 1974 NBA Draft, selected by the Pistons, and had a notable college career at Providence College, earning All-American honors before turning professional. Struggled with personal issues that impacted playing career, but left a mark in professional basketball through his scoring ability and rebounding skills.

Continue Reading

Giosuè Carducci

Italian poet and Nobel laureate
Born
July 27th, 1835 189 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1907 118 years ago — 71 years old

This individual was an Italian poet and educator who made significant contributions to Italian literature in the late 19th century. Carducci advocated for the return to classical forms of poetry and wrote extensively on various themes including love, nature, and Italian history. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1906, becoming the first Italian to earn this distinction. His work is characterized by its rich imagery and lyrical quality, reflecting the cultural and political landscape of Italy during his lifetime.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 21st

Pierre Poiret

French mystic and philosopher
Born
1646 379 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1719 306 years ago — 73 years old

Focused on spirituality and the pursuit of knowledge, contributed significantly to philosophical thought during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Explored concepts of mysticism, the nature of the soul, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. Authored several works that delved into the intersection of faith and reason, impacting the philosophical landscape of the time.

Continue Reading

Ivan Konev

Soviet Marshal and General
Born
1897 128 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1973 52 years ago — 76 years old

Achieved the rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union, leading significant military operations during World War II. Commanded the 1st Ukrainian Front, contributing to the liberation of several European cities from Nazi occupation. Led Soviet forces during the Battle of Kursk and the Vistula-Oder Offensive. After the war, played a key role in the occupation of Eastern Europe, specifically in Czechoslovakia and Hungary. Served in various military capacities until retirement.

Continue Reading

Williamina Fleming

Astronomer; cataloged over 10,000 stars
Born
May 15th, 1857 168 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1911 114 years ago — 54 years old

A Scottish-American astronomer and academic contributed to the field of astronomy while working at the Harvard College Observatory. Developed a system for classifying stars based on their spectral characteristics. Played a key role in the identification of variable stars and made significant contributions to the study of nebulae. Her work included creating the Henry Draper Catalogue, which documented stellar classifications.

Continue Reading

Leonid Gobyato

Russian general and military leader
Born
February 6th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1915 110 years ago — 40 years old

Born in 1875, a Russian general, played significant roles during the First World War and the Russian Civil War. Commanded troops during key battles and demonstrated military strategy in various operations. Promoted to higher ranks due to leadership abilities and loyalty to the state. Involved in military educational institutions after the wars, contributing to the training of future officers.

Continue Reading

Franz von Suppé

Austrian composer of operettas
Born
April 18th, 1819 206 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1895 130 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1819, this composer and conductor became prominent in the genre of operetta in the 19th century. Suppé's work included both original compositions and orchestral arrangements. The famous 'Light Cavalry Overture' and 'Boccaccio' remain significant in the operetta repertoire. His music is characterized by lively melodies and vibrant orchestration, showcasing the comic and romantic elements of the operetta form. They enjoyed performances across Europe during the height of their popularity. Suppé's contributions to operetta left a lasting legacy, influencing future composers in the genre.

Continue Reading

Henry VI

King of England and founder of Eton
Born
1421 604 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1471 554 years ago — 50 years old

Born in 1421, ascended to the throne of England in 1422 at a young age. His reign was marked by the onset of the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the throne between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. Faced challenges from rival factions, including multiple deposals and restorations. Lost the throne to Edward IV in 1461 and regained it briefly in 1470. Captured in battle and subsequently killed in 1471, ending his reign and marking a shift in the power dynamics among the English nobility.

Continue Reading