William Birdwood
Field Marshal of the British Army
Served as a senior officer in the British Army with significant roles during World War I. Commanded the ANZAC forces during the Gallipoli Campaign, demonstrating strategic military leadership. Led British troops at the Battle of the Somme and commanded the Australian Imperial Force during the war's later stages. His tactics and leadership styles influenced military operations during the conflict.
Commanded ANZAC forces at Gallipoli
Led British troops at the Battle of the Somme
Oversaw the Australian Imperial Force
Other People Born on September 13th
Kevin Carter
South African photojournalist with Pulitzer
Born
September 13th, 1960 65 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1994 31 years ago — 33 years old
A South African photojournalist gained recognition for powerful photographic documentation of humanitarian crises. The work captured in coverage of the famine in Sudan in 1993 led to a Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography. This photograph depicted a starving child and a vulture waiting nearby, striking a chord globally and raising awareness regarding the dire situation in the country. The profound impact of this image on public consciousness remains significant as it highlighted the severe effects of famine and conflict. His career included contributions to various publications, emphasizing the importance of visual storytelling in journalism.
Continue ReadingJesse L. Lasky
Film Producer, Co-founder of Paramount Pictures
Born
September 13th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
January 13th, 1958 68 years ago — 77 years old
A prominent film producer in the early 20th century, co-founded Paramount Pictures in 1912. Contributed significantly to the establishment of the studio system in Hollywood. Produced several influential films and played a key role in the development of the American film industry during its formative years.
Continue ReadingRoald Dahl
British novelist and screenwriter
Born
September 13th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
November 23rd, 1990 35 years ago — 74 years old
This individual authored numerous children's books, achieving significant popularity for their imaginative storytelling and unique characters. Notable works include 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', 'Matilda', and 'The BFG'. Dahl's storytelling often incorporates elements of fantasy and dark humor. His contributions extended to screenwriting, with adaptations of his stories for film and television. The literary style captivated audiences worldwide, establishing a legacy within the realm of children's literature.
Continue ReadingArnold Schoenberg
Austrian composer and painter
Born
September 13th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
July 13th, 1951 74 years ago — 76 years old
One of the leading figures in modern classical music, a contribution included the development of the twelve-tone technique. Active during the early to mid-20th century, composed significant works across various genres including opera, chamber music, and orchestral pieces. His most notable works include the operas 'Pierrot Lunaire' and 'Moses and Aaron', as well as the orchestral piece 'Verklaerte Nacht'. Alongside composition, engaged in painting, which reflected similar modernist approaches as his music.
Continue ReadingRoger Désormière
Conductor and composer of classical music
Born
September 13th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
October 25th, 1963 62 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1898, a prominent conductor and composer in the classical music scene. Studied at the Paris Conservatory, gaining recognition for expertise in orchestral direction. Conducted orchestras across Europe, notably the Orchestre de Paris and the Orchestre National de France. Expanded the repertoire for French music and contemporary composers, contributing to the cultural landscape of mid-20th century France. Also worked as a composer, creating various orchestral works and chamber music that reflected his artistic vision. Engaged in educational efforts, mentoring younger musicians and influencing the next generation of performers.
Continue ReadingDon Bluth
Animator and director of animated films
Born
September 13th, 1937 88 years ago
An animator and director contributed significantly to the animation industry. Co-founded Sullivan Bluth Studios and Fox Animation Studios, pioneering the production of animated features. Directed films such as 'The Land Before Time', 'An American Tail', and 'The Secret of NIMH', which received critical acclaim and commercial success. Focused on creating stories with strong emotional depth and intricate animation techniques, departing from the traditional Disney style during the 1980s and 1990s.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 17th
Peter Schulz
German lawyer and Mayor of Hamburg
Born
April 25th, 1930 96 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2013 13 years ago — 83 years old
A lawyer and politician served as the Mayor of Hamburg during the early 1980s. Engaged in local governance, focused on urban issues and public administration. Advocated for policies aimed at improving the quality of life in Hamburg. Contributed to the development of the city's infrastructure and community programs.
Continue ReadingLeopold Auenbrugger
Austrian physician and inventor of percussion
Born
November 19th, 1722 303 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1809 217 years ago — 86 years old
A physician developed the technique of percussion for diagnosing diseases. This innovation transformed clinical practices. Initial experiments involved using his own chest as a model to demonstrate the value of tapping and feeling the chest wall to gather diagnostic information. The technique was outlined in a treatise published in 1761, which laid the groundwork for modern physical examination methods. The work emphasized the importance of systematic observation in medicine and was influential in the fields of internal medicine and diagnostics.
Continue ReadingGo-Fushimi
Emperor of Japan during the Nanboku-chō period
Born
1288 738 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1336 690 years ago — 48 years old
Ascended to the throne in 1287, serving as the 96th emperor of Japan during a tumultuous period marked by imperial conflict. The reign was characterized by the Nanboku-chō period, which involved the division of loyalty between competing imperial lines. Go-Fushimi's era included ongoing power struggles, notably between the Northern and Southern courts. After abdication in 1298, remained an influential figure during the continued efforts to unify the imperial seat. Passed away in 1336.
Continue ReadingAsa Packer
American businessman and university founder
Born
1805 221 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1879 147 years ago — 74 years old
A businessman from Pennsylvania, established a significant fortune in the railroad industry. Founded Lehigh University in 1865, contributing to higher education in the region. Involved in various philanthropic efforts aimed at supporting education and infrastructure development in Pennsylvania. His investments in railroads had a lasting influence on regional commerce.
Continue ReadingJorge Rafael Videla
Argentinian general and President
Born
August 2nd, 1925 100 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2013 13 years ago — 87 years old
Served as the 43rd President of Argentina from 1976 to 1981 following a military coup. Led the country during the Dirty War, a period characterized by widespread human rights abuses. Implemented policies aimed at suppressing dissent and promoting economic reforms. Oversaw actions that resulted in the disappearance and torture of thousands.
Continue ReadingArmand-Emmanuel de Vignerot du Plessis
French general and politician, Duc de Richelieu
Born
September 25th, 1766 259 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1822 204 years ago — 55 years old
Served as the 2nd Prime Minister of France during the Restoration period. Held the position of general, taking on various military responsibilities. Managed significant political changes, including the navigation of post-Napoleonic France. Engaged in revitalizing the French economy and established relationships with foreign powers.
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