What Happened This Year 1915

Born in 1915

Shapour Bakhtiar

Iranian politician and Prime Minister
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
August 6th, 1991 33 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the 74th Prime Minister of Iran in 1979 during a crucial transitional period amid the Iranian Revolution. Held office for a brief duration as the last prime minister before the establishment of the Islamic Republic. Was involved in opposition to the Shah of Iran and advocated for democratic reforms. After leaving office, lived in exile in France, where he continued to engage in political activities until death in 1991.

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Gorgeous George

Professional wrestler and entertainer
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1963 61 years ago — 48 years old

A prominent figure in professional wrestling during the 1940s and 1950s, a wrestler cultivated an extravagant persona that included flashy robes and elaborate entrances. Pioneered the use of showmanship in wrestling, contributing to its growth as a mainstream entertainment sport. Became one of the first wrestlers to achieve celebrity status and significantly influenced the portrayal of wrestlers as larger-than-life characters. Helped popularize televised wrestling, leading to increased viewership and attendance at events.

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Colin Kelly

American captain and pilot
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1941 83 years ago — 26 years old

A captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps, this individual served during World War II. While conducting a bombing mission over enemy territory, encountered significant opposition. The operation became notable for its strategic importance. Demonstrated exceptional flying skills and bravery in the face of danger, ultimately sacrificing life during an aerial engagement.

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Monica Dickens

Nurse and author of 'One Pair of Hands'
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1992 32 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1910, this individual trained as a nurse in the early 1930s. The experiences as a nurse informed much of the writing, leading to the publication of the autobiographical book 'One Pair of Hands' in 1939. This book provided insights into the daily life and challenges faced by nurses. In addition to nursing, this individual wrote fiction, children's books, and screenplays, with a career spanning several decades, contributing to both literature and television. The work often reflected personal experiences and observations.

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Werner von Trapp

Austrian-American singer in The Sound of Music
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2007 17 years ago — 92 years old

Born into a prominent musical family in Austria, a member of the Trapp Family Singers achieved fame through performances in Europe and the United States. The family's story inspired the Broadway musical and film, The Sound of Music. Following World War II, they emigrated to the U.S., where they continued to perform and promote their music. The group became known for their choral arrangements of traditional Austrian and German folk songs. They toured extensively, bringing their music to a wide audience until their eventual retirement in the 1950s.

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Tex Hill

General and World War II pilot
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2007 17 years ago — 92 years old

A South Korean-American general and pilot, significant contributions were made during World War II as a member of the Flying Tigers, a volunteer group of pilots fighting against Japanese forces. After the war, served in various capacities, including as a general in the U.S. Air Force, where leadership impacted military aviation strategy.

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Carlos Prats

Chilean general and Minister of Defense
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
September 30th, 1974 50 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent military figure and politician in Chile, served as the Minister of Defense from 1970 to 1973. Contributed to the military strategy during Allende's administration. Exiled after the 1973 coup led by General Augusto Pinochet, Prats continued his military career abroad. His life ended tragically in a violent attack in Buenos Aires in 1974.

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Michael Relph

Director, producer of British cinema
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
September 30th, 2004 20 years ago — 89 years old

An English director, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to British cinema. Worked closely with the production company Gainsborough Pictures during the 1940s and 1950s. Collaborated with notable filmmakers and produced acclaimed films within the genre of British melodrama. Developed a reputation for creating visually stunning works and nurturing talent within the British film industry.

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Ruth Stone

American poet and recipient of Pulitzer Prize
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
November 19th, 2011 13 years ago — 96 years old

A significant figure in American poetry, this poet gained prominence for an evocative style and deep emotional resonance. Stone published numerous poetry collections, with her works often reflecting personal experiences and broader human themes. Her career included teaching at various institutions and inspiring students with her passion for language and expression. The poet received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 2009 for her collection 'What Love Comes To: New and Selected Poems,' which underscored her lasting influence and artistic contribution to the literary world.

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