What Happened This Year 1905
Born in 1905
Simo Häyhä
A Finnish soldier achieved significant notoriety during the Winter War (1939-1940) between Finland and the Soviet Union. Renowned for exceptional marksmanship skills, recorded over 500 confirmed kills as a sniper. Utilized a Finnish M28/30 rifle and took advantage of the winter landscape to conceal movements. Adopted a strategy that involved minimizing exposure and maximizing stealth, earning the nickname 'White Death.' Survived serious injuries and continued to lead a private life after the war until passing away in 2002.
Continue ReadingMohammad Hidayatullah
Served as the 11th Chief Justice of India from 1968 to 1970, significantly impacting the Indian legal system. Held the position of the sixth Vice President of India from 1979 to 1984, participating in legislative functions and presidential duties. Contributed to legal education and wrote extensively on various legal topics. Actively involved in politics and addressed key judicial reforms during tenure.
Continue ReadingErico Verissimo
Born in Brazil, a prolific author and translator focused on Brazilian literature. Active from the 1930s, produced several celebrated novels that explored regional themes and human experiences in Brazilian society. His most notable work, 'O Tempo e o Vento', received critical acclaim and played a significant role in Brazilian fiction. Also worked as a translator, bringing international literature to Brazilian readers. His influence extended beyond literature, contributing to cultural discussions in Brazil throughout the 20th century.
Continue ReadingIrving Kahn
Pioneered investment strategies and founded an investment firm. Specialized in value investing and became recognized as a leading authority in the field. Served as a professor and shared insights on investment principles. Involved with various financial education initiatives throughout a lengthy career.
Continue ReadingGiovanni Lurani
Born in Italy in 1905, this individual started a career in automobile racing, competing in various prestigious events throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Also recognized for engineering innovations in the automotive field, this individual combined racing skills with technical expertise, contributing to advancements in car design and performance. In addition to racing, worked as a journalist, sharing insights on the racing industry and automotive technology. The career included participation in the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio.
Continue ReadingAnthony Powell
Served in the British Army during World War II. Began writing novels after the war, with a significant focus on English society. Authored the twelve-volume work 'A Dance to the Music of Time,' which explored themes of time, memory, and the passage of life. Received various literary accolades during a prolific writing career, contributing essays and criticism as well.
Continue ReadingPierre Levegh
Competed in motor racing during the 1950s, primarily in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Achieved recognition for driving for the Mercedes-Benz team, contributing to its success in endurance racing. The 1952 race marked a significant moment as part of the era's competitive automotive scene. Experienced a tragic accident during the 1955 Le Mans race, which led to changes in racing regulations due to its impact.
Continue ReadingKenneth Rexroth
A prominent poet, translator, and academic, this individual significantly contributed to 20th-century American literature. Active in the influential San Francisco Poetry Renaissance, produced a body of work that combined personal experience with an interest in Eastern philosophy and spirituality. Worked on translations of classical Japanese poetry, bringing awareness of haiku to a wider audience. Engaged in literary criticism and was involved in leftist political movements throughout his career, fostering a dialogue on social issues through poetry and prose.
Continue ReadingPierre Brasseur
An influential actor and screenwriter, recognized for significant roles in French cinema. Achieved prominence in the mid-20th century through performances in films such as 'La Grande Illusion' and 'Les Enfants du Paradis'. Developed a distinctive style that contributed to the artistic landscape of the time. Also engaged in screenwriting, adding depth to various projects throughout a lengthy career.
Continue Reading