Wilhelm List
German field marshal of WWII
Born in 1880, this individual served as a German field marshal during World War II. He held significant leadership roles on various fronts, particularly in the Balkans and North Africa. Appointed as commander of the 12th Army, he was responsible for operations in Greece and later for the North African campaign. His command strategies and military decisions were influential in shaping the offensive campaigns of the German forces.
Commanded the 12th Army in Greece
Led operations in North Africa
Other People Born on May 14th
Jack Bruce
Scottish bass player and songwriter
Born
May 14th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
October 25th, 2014 11 years ago — 71 years old
A Scottish-English musician contributed significantly to the rock and blues genres. Best known as the bassist and co-lead vocalist for the influential band Cream, which formed in 1966, he was integral to the group's unique blend of rock, blues, and psychedelia. The band released seminal albums such as 'Disraeli Gears' and 'Wheels of Fire'. After Cream disbanded in 1968, he pursued a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums that showcased his songwriting and musical skills. Collaborations with various artists and participation in reunion tours further highlighted his talents throughout the decades.
Continue ReadingFred Englehardt
American long jumper, Olympic medalist
Born
May 14th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
July 25th, 1942 83 years ago — 63 years old
Competed in the long jump event at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris. Achieved a remarkable second-place finish, earning a silver medal. Englehardt's performance represented the early years of Olympic athletics, helping to popularize track and field events in the United States. He was one of the pioneering athletes in the sport of long jump, contributing to its development and recognition as an Olympic event.
Continue ReadingCharles Beyer
Engineer, co-founder of Beyer, Peacock & Company
Born
May 14th, 1814 211 years ago
Died
1876 149 years ago — 62 years old
An engineer contributed significantly to locomotive design and manufacturing in the 19th century. Co-founded Beyer, Peacock & Company in Manchester, which became a prominent locomotive manufacturer. Played a pivotal role in the development and production of various steam locomotives that were used across the UK and beyond. His company produced some of the most innovative designs of the era, contributing to advancements in railway technology.
Continue ReadingSidney Bechet
Saxophonist and clarinet player
Born
May 14th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1959 66 years ago — 62 years old
A prominent early jazz musician, played the soprano saxophone and clarinet. Contributed to the development of jazz in both the United States and Europe. Became a key figure in the New Orleans jazz scene, later moved to France where he gained popularity. Composed several pieces that are celebrated within the jazz community.
Continue ReadingThomas Gainsborough
English painter of landscapes and portraits
Born
May 14th, 1727 298 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1788 237 years ago — 61 years old
Born in 1727, this painter specialized in portraiture and landscape painting. His work displayed a mastery of color and light, contributing significantly to English art. The most notable creations include 'The Blue Boy' and the portrait of Sarah Siddons. Operating primarily in Bath and London, he was a key figure in the 18th-century art scene. Gainsborough established a significant reputation through his innovative approach to depicting subjects with a naturalistic quality, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity in painting. He also was a founding member of the Royal Academy, further solidifying his legacy in the arts.
Continue ReadingLudovico Manin
Last Doge of Venice
Born
May 14th, 1725 300 years ago
Died
1802 223 years ago — 77 years old
Served as the 119th and last Doge of Venice from 1789 until 1797. Oversaw the political decline of the Venetian Republic during a period marked by external pressures from revolutionary movements and the expansion of French influence. Fled Venice after its surrender to Napoleon, marking the end of a governmental tradition that had lasted for over a thousand years. Returned to Venice after the fall of Napoleon, where he lived until his death.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 17th
Frederick the Great
Prussian king and military leader
Born
January 24th, 1712 313 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1786 239 years ago — 74 years old
A monarch of the Kingdom of Prussia, led significant military campaigns during the Silesian Wars and the Seven Years' War. His reign is marked by extensive reforms in military, administrative practices, and the promotion of the arts. He established Prussia as a major European power. His interest in philosophy and music also contributed to the cultural life of his court.
Continue ReadingArthur Fox
English-American fencer and Olympian
Born
September 9th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1958 67 years ago — 79 years old
Competed in fencing during the early 20th century. Achieved significant recognition in the 1908 Summer Olympics held in London. Contributed to the fencing community through coaching and advocacy for the sport. His techniques and methodologies influenced future generations of fencers, both in America and abroad.
Continue ReadingEmperor Go-Fukakusa
Emperor of Japan during the Kamakura period
Born
June 28th, 1243 782 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1304 721 years ago — 61 years old
Became emperor of Japan in 1246 and reigned until 1259. During the reign, significant administrative changes took place within the imperial court. Following abdication, served as a retired emperor, influencing politics behind the scenes. The period saw ongoing conflicts between the imperial court and warrior clans, impacting the political landscape of the time. His reign was part of the Kamakura era, marked by the emergence of the samurai class and a shift in power dynamics.
Continue ReadingRadoje Domanović
Serbian journalist and author
Born
February 16th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1908 117 years ago — 35 years old
Born in Serbia, Domanović became an influential journalist and author in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work primarily focused on social and political themes, often critiquing contemporary societal issues. He gained recognition for his satirical writings that highlighted the absurdities of bureaucracy and nationalism. Domanović's essays and stories resonated with the public, solidifying his place in Serbian literature. His legacy includes both literary contributions and the impact of his journalism on Serbian society during a transformative period.
Continue ReadingKen Miles
Race car driver and Le Mans competitor
Born
November 1st, 1918 107 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1966 59 years ago — 47 years old
An English-American race car driver participated in numerous motorsport events during the 1950s and 1960s. Played a pivotal role in the development of the Ford GT40, contributing significantly to its racing success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Achieved notable victories in various sports car races, solidifying a reputation within the racing community for precision driving and engineering insight. His collaboration with Ford Racing led to innovative engineering solutions and a deep understanding of vehicle performance. Miles died in a testing accident in 1966, shortly before the completion of the Ford GT40's successful racing campaign.
Continue ReadingIoan Slavici
Romanian journalist and author
Born
January 18th, 1848 177 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1925 100 years ago — 77 years old
Born in Romania, a prominent journalist and author contributed significantly to Romanian literature. Played a crucial role in the development of realism in literature through notable works. His writings often focused on social issues and were deeply intertwined with Romanian cultural identity. Worked as an editor for important Romanian publications and advocated for education and the rights of the Romanian people. Several of his works remain influential in Romanian literature today.
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