What Happened This Year 1915

Born in 1915

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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Nancy Bird Walton

Australian aviator and pioneer pilot
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
January 13th, 2009 16 years ago — 94 years old

An aviator and pioneer in Australian aviation, contributions included establishing a female presence in a male-dominated field during the early 20th century. Acquired a pilot's license in 1933, at the age of 19, and became the youngest woman in the world to achieve this feat. In 1934, founded the Women's Air Training Corps to encourage women to pursue flying. During World War II, served as a transport pilot and provided valuable assistance to the Royal Australian Air Force. Established the Nancy Bird Walton Scholarship to support aspiring female pilots after her retirement. Her legacy is remembered as a trailblazer in the aviation industry.

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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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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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Robert Hofstadter

American physicist and Nobel laureate
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1990 34 years ago — 75 years old

A physicist conducted pioneering research in the structure of nucleons through electron scattering experiments. Contributed significantly to the field of quantum electrodynamics and understanding of strong interactions. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1961 for his work in measuring the charge distribution within the proton and neutron, which advanced knowledge in particle physics. Held academic positions at Stanford University, influencing the next generation of physicists.

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Achille Zavatta

French clown and circus performer
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
November 16th, 1993 31 years ago — 78 years old

Born in Tunisia, achieved prominence as a circus clown and performer. Started performing at a young age, gained recognition in France and internationally. Developed a unique style combining humor and acrobatics. Became a staple in various circuses, captivating audiences with elaborate performances and charm. Also ventured into television, showcasing talents in various shows. Left a lasting legacy in the world of circus and entertainment.

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Billo Frómeta

Dominican conductor and composer
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1988 36 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent Dominican conductor and composer, significant contributions were made to merengue music. Established Billo's Caracas Boys, a popular band that helped popularize merengue in the mid-20th century. Conducted numerous performances across Latin America and the Caribbean, influencing the genre's development. Composed various merengue pieces that became staples in the music repertoire of the Dominican Republic.

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Wee Kim Wee

4th President of Singapore
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 2005 19 years ago — 90 years old

A journalist and politician held the office of the 4th President of Singapore from 1985 to 1993. Before presidency, served as a Member of Parliament and in various ministerial roles. Contributed to the establishment of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre. Worked in the media sector and served as a chief editor, promoting understanding and dialogue within the community.

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