What Happened This Year 1914

Born in 1914

Noor Inayat Khan

British SOE agent during World War II
Born
January 1st, 1914 111 years ago
Died
1944 81 years ago — 30 years old

An agent in the Special Operations Executive during World War II, undertook dangerous missions in occupied France. She trained as a wireless operator and became the first female radio operator to be sent into France. After several successful operations, was captured by the Gestapo and executed in 1944. Her bravery is commemorated in various memorials and literature.

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George Reeves

Television actor, Superman in 'Adventures'
Born
January 5th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
June 16th, 1959 65 years ago — 45 years old

An American actor and director, became widely recognized for portraying Superman in the 1950s television series 'Adventures of Superman'. The show aired from 1952 to 1958, contributing to the character's enduring popularity. Prior to this role, appeared in films during the 1940s, including 'Gone with the Wind' and 'The Best Years of Our Lives'. After the conclusion of 'Adventures of Superman', faced challenges in securing roles that matched the iconic character he portrayed. The actor's life was cut short when he died under mysterious circumstances in 1959, which added to the intrigue surrounding his legacy.

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Kenny Clarke

Jazz drummer and bandleader
Born
January 9th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1985 40 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent figure in the development of modern jazz, played a key role in the emergence of bebop in the 1940s. Contributed to numerous recordings and performances with influential artists such as Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk. Established a distinctive drumming style that emphasized the use of the ride cymbal, influencing generations of musicians. Led bands and participated in pivotal jazz festivals, furthering the genre's evolution.

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Yu Kuo-hwa

Chinese politician and 23rd Premier
Born
January 10th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
October 4th, 2000 24 years ago — 86 years old

Served as the 23rd Premier of the Republic of China from 1989 to 1990. Focused on economic development and modernization during the tenure. Participated in various government roles before becoming Premier, including serving as the Minister of Finance and Minister of the Interior. Played a significant role in Taiwan's political landscape in the late 20th century.

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Osa Massen

Danish-American actress in film
Born
January 13th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 2006 19 years ago — 91 years old

An actress active in film during the 1940s and 1950s, primarily in Hollywood. Massen appeared in several films, often portraying glamorous roles that highlighted her beauty and talent. Key performances took place in movies such as 'The Stranger' and 'The Devil on Wheels'. Massen also had a notable stage presence, demonstrating versatility across different forms of performance. Her career spanned both European and American cinema, contributing to a body of work that reflected the cinematic styles of her time.

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Harold Russell

Canadian-American soldier and actor
Born
January 14th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
January 29th, 2002 23 years ago — 88 years old

A soldier and actor recognized for contributions during World War II. Served in the U.S. Army as a demolition expert and lost both hands during a training accident. Later starred in the film 'The Best Years of Our Lives' (1946), which focused on the challenges faced by returning veterans. Received two Academy Awards for his performance, including Best Supporting Actor, making history as the first veteran to win an Oscar. Continued to act in various television shows and films thereafter.

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Selahattin Ülkümen

Turkish diplomat during World War II
Born
January 14th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 89 years old

Served as a Turkish diplomat in France during World War II. Provided extensive assistance to Jewish refugees escaping the Holocaust, often issuing visas that allowed them to enter Turkey. Demonstrated significant courage in the face of pressure from Nazi authorities to turn over refugees. After the war, continued work in foreign service and made contributions to diplomatic relations.

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Hugh Trevor-Roper

Historian and author of 'The Last Days of Hitler'
Born
January 15th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
January 26th, 2003 22 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent English historian and academic, contributed extensively to the study of early modern history. Held the Regius Professorship of Modern History at the University of Oxford. His book 'The Last Days of Hitler' became a significant work in historical literature, analyzing the final days of Hitler in a detailed manner and providing insights into the Nazi regime. Wrote influential essays and works on a variety of historical topics, which elevated his status within the field of history.

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Stefan Bałuk

Polish general, WWII leader
Born
January 15th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
January 30th, 2014 11 years ago — 100 years old

A Polish general served in World War II. Played a crucial role in the Polish Armed Forces in the West. Participated in key military operations during the war, including the defense of Warsaw in 1939 and the Italian Campaign. After the war, contributed to the rebuilding of the Polish military. Held various leadership positions and was involved in post-war military strategies.

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