Lise de Baissac
SOE agent during World War II
Born
May 11th, 1905
120 years ago
Died
March 29th, 2004
21 years ago — 98 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
Mauritius
Links & References
Born in Mauritius, worked as a secret agent for the Special Operations Executive during World War II. Entered occupied France in 1943, where she conducted espionage and sabotage missions. Took part in various operations to disrupt German forces and support the Resistance. Played a role in coordinating the intelligence of the Allies, contributing to the overall war effort. After the war, shifted focus to humanitarian efforts.
Served as a secret agent in Nazi-occupied France
Successfully executed sabotage missions against German forces
Other People Born on May 11th
Matt Leinart
Played college football at the University of Southern California, leading the team to two national championships in 2003 and 2004. Received the Heisman Trophy in 2004, recognizing him as the outstanding player in college football. Selected 10th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for several seasons. Also played for the Houston Texans and a stint with the Buffalo Bills. After retiring from professional football, transitioned into media and sports commentary.
Continue ReadingAbou Diaby
Born in 1986, a professional football career began at Auxerre before transferring to Arsenal in 2006. Injuries limited playing time, yet contributions during the tenure included vital appearances and a commanding midfield presence. Represented the French national team, earning 16 caps between 2007 and 2015. After Arsenal, played for Marseille, where the stay was again affected by injuries.
Continue ReadingMaurice Harkless
Played professional basketball primarily as a small forward. Played college basketball at St. John's University, where achieved recognition for skills on the court. Drafted 15th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, then traded to the Orlando Magic. Played for several NBA teams including the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers. During tenure with the Trail Blazers, participated in the playoffs multiple times and reached the Western Conference Finals in 2019.
Continue ReadingMiguel Sanó
Professional baseball player played primarily as a first baseman. Made a significant impact in Major League Baseball with the Minnesota Twins. Debuted in 2015 and quickly became recognized for power hitting and ability to drive in runs. Helped the Twins secure an American League Central Division title in 2019. Selected to the MLB All-Star Game in 2017, showcasing exceptional talent and performance on the field.
Continue ReadingRose Ausländer
Born in 1901 in Ukraine, this poet faced significant challenges during her life, including the impact of war and displacement. Relocating to Germany in the 1920s, she became a prominent figure in the literary scene. Her poetry often dealt with themes of exile, identity, and the human condition. Her works were influenced by her experiences during World War II and the Holocaust. After the war, she returned to Germany, where she continued to write and publish, gaining recognition in German literature until her death in 1988.
Continue ReadingKonsta Helenius
A professional ice hockey player from Finland, played as a forward. Won a gold medal with the Finnish national team at the 2023 IIHF World U18 Championships. Known for contributions to HIFK in the Finnish Liiga. Developed skills in various youth teams before advancing to the professional level.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 29th
Gottfried van Swieten
Served as a librarian and diplomat in Vienna during the late 18th century. Contributed to the cultural life of the city through the promotion of music and literature. Played a significant role in the musical careers of prominent composers, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn. Established the Austrian National Library, enhancing access to literary works.
Continue ReadingJohann Wilhelm Hässler
Born in 1747, this musician contributed significantly to the classical music repertoire as both a pianist and a composer. Hässler studied music under the guidance of prominent figures of his time. His compositions included keyboard sonatas, concertos, and chamber music, enriching the cultural landscape of the late 18th century. He served as a conductor and music director in various European cities, where he had a lasting influence on musical education and performance practices. Hässler's works are characterized by their lyrical melodies and innovative forms, showcasing his skill as a composer and performer.
Continue ReadingJoyce Cary
An Anglo-Irish novelist, contributions spanned several notable works that explored themes of society and personal relationships. Career included writing successful novels that were well regarded in the literary community. Major works include 'The Horse's Mouth', which was adapted into a film, and 'Mister Johnson', a novel set in colonial Nigeria that gained significant attention. Cary's literary style displayed a keen observation of human nature and complex characterizations.
Continue ReadingTerry Moore
Born in 1929, this actress gained recognition primarily in the mid-20th century for notable film roles. Early in her career, appearances included significant films such as 'Mighty Joe Young' and 'The Last Time I Saw Paris'. Later work involved performances in television series and films, establishing a strong presence in Hollywood. The actress has engaged in various charitable activities throughout her life and continues to be remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingVäinö Kivisalo
Active in Finnish politics during the early to mid-20th century, contributed to various governmental roles. Served as the Minister of Education, focusing on educational reform and policy development in Finland. Played a significant part in shaping national education strategies in the post-war period. Engaged with the political landscape through various stages of the Finnish government, promoting development in both education and public administration.
Continue ReadingJohn Jacob Astor
A prominent businessman, built a fortune primarily through the fur trade in North America during the early 19th century. Established the American Fur Company in 1808, which became the largest fur trading business in the United States. Invested in real estate in New York City, contributing significantly to the city's development. Astor was a key figure in the early American economy, known for his role in the expansion of the fur industry and real estate ventures. His wealth made him one of the first multimillionaires in the United States.
Continue Reading