What Happened This Year 1914

Born in 1914

Frumka Płotnicka

Polish resistance fighter during WWII
Born
1914 112 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1943 82 years ago — 29 years old

Participated in the Polish resistance during World War II. Served as a member of Żydowska Organizacja Bojowa (Jewish Fighting Organization) and engaged in armed resistance against Nazi occupiers. Played a significant role in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943, fighting to resist deportations and the annihilation of the Jewish community. Despite the overwhelming odds, fought valiantly until her death.

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K. P. Ratnam

Sri Lankan academic and politician
Born
1914 112 years ago
Died
December 20th, 2010 15 years ago — 96 years old

Contributed to the fields of education and governance in Sri Lanka. Served as a member of parliament and participated in various educational reforms. Held significant roles within the academic community, promoting literacy and higher education. Worked towards uplifting minority communities through policy initiatives and advocacy.

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Spike Pola

Australian footballer and soldier
Born
1914 112 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2012 14 years ago — 98 years old

An Australian footballer played for the North Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1940s. His skills on the field contributed to the team's performance during his tenure. After his football career, served in the military, participating in World War II. Returned to football post-war and continued to be involved in the sport.

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Gil Elvgren

Illustrator known for pin-up art
Born
1914 112 years ago
Died
February 29th, 1980 46 years ago — 66 years old

Elvgren was an American painter and illustrator recognized for contributions to pin-up art during the mid-20th century. His artworks featured glamorous women in playful and suggestive poses, becoming integral to American visual culture. Elvgren's style combined realism with a sense of humor, showcasing his mastery in color, composition, and character design. The artist created iconic depictions that were widely used in advertisements and calendars, solidifying his legacy in the genre.

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James Muir Cameron Fletcher

Businessman and entrepreneur in New Zealand
Born
1914 112 years ago
Died
August 29th, 2007 18 years ago — 93 years old

Established successful businesses in New Zealand. Focused on enhancing the industrial and economic landscape of the country. Held various leadership positions, contributing to the growth of the local business community. Played a significant role in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation within New Zealand's economy.

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Morgan Morgan-Giles

English admiral and politician
Born
1914 112 years ago
Died
May 4th, 2013 13 years ago — 99 years old

Morgan Morgan-Giles served in the Royal Navy and later entered politics. Gained recognition in naval service leading to a respected career within the military. Transitioned to politics, where extensive contributions were made as a member of parliament. Worked within the parliamentary system promoting military and naval interests.

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Peter Carter-Ruck

English lawyer and legal author
Born
1914 112 years ago
Died
December 19th, 2003 22 years ago — 89 years old

Founded the law firm Carter-Ruck, specializing in media and defamation law. Contributed to legal literature with publications that addressed issues of privacy, libel, and personal rights. Advised high-profile clients in various sectors, including entertainment and politics. Helped shape the landscape of British media law through court cases and legal practice.

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Jean-Pierre Vernant

French anthropologist and historian
Born
1914 112 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2007 19 years ago — 93 years old

An influential figure in the fields of anthropology and history, contributed significantly to the understanding of ancient Greece through a combination of historical and anthropological analysis. Focused on the cultural practices and social organizations of ancient societies, shaping the study of Greek history and mythology. Emphasized the importance of narrative and ritual in understanding the human experience, and engaged with the works of modern theorists in framing his insights. Played a critical role in the popularization of structuralism within historical studies.

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Forrest Towns

Hurdler and Olympic coach
Born
1914 112 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1991 35 years ago — 77 years old

Achieved prominence as a hurdler, winning gold in the 110-meter hurdles at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. Later transitioned to coaching, where he contributed to the development of several athletes in track and field. His methodologies emphasized speed and technique, influencing training regimens in competitive athletics.

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