What Happened This Year 1916

Born in 1916

Airey Neave

English colonel and politician, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Born
January 23rd, 1916 109 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1979 46 years ago — 63 years old

A colonel in the British Army, involvement in World War II included participation in the planning and execution of missions related to the assassination of German officers. Post-war, transitioned into law and entered politics, serving as the Member of Parliament for Abingdon. Played a significant role in the Northern Ireland Office as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, where contributions included addressing issues of national security and the political landscape during a tumultuous time.

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David Douglas Duncan

Photographer and war correspondent
Born
January 23rd, 1916 109 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 102 years old

A prominent photographer and journalist extensively covered the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Worked for Life magazine and documented the lives of soldiers and civilians through powerful imagery. Known for a close association with the artist Pablo Picasso, capturing the essence of his life and work. Published several books featuring stunning photography, providing a visual commentary on conflict and art.

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Gene Mako

Tennis player and film actor
Born
January 24th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 97 years old

Competed in professional tennis during the mid-20th century and achieved notable success in doubles events. Partnered with partners such as Jack Kramer, winning the 1940 U.S. National Championships men's doubles title. Transitioned into acting, appearing in films including 'The Kid from Brooklyn' and 'The Fleet's In'.

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Rafael Caldera

Venezuelan politician, 65th President
Born
January 24th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
December 24th, 2009 15 years ago — 93 years old

A prominent Venezuelan lawyer and politician. Served as the 65th President of Venezuela from 1969 to 1974 and again from 1994 to 1999. Established the social security system and enacted significant educational reforms during the first presidency. Founded the COPEI political party, which played a key role in Venezuela's political landscape. Authored several works on legal and political issues.

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Pop Ivy

American football coach and player
Born
January 25th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 87 years old

Played college football at the University of Alabama. Coached various teams, including a notable tenure as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL. Led teams to significant victories and helped develop future NFL players. Contributed to the evolution of coaching tactics and team strategies during the mid-20th century.

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Roy Markham

British plant virologist and researcher
Born
January 29th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent figure in plant virology, conducted significant research on plant viruses affecting crops. Contributions included important work on the etiology of various viral diseases that impacted agricultural practices. Developed techniques for virus detection and management in different plant species. Participated in collaborative projects aimed at enhancing plant health and resilience against viral infections. Published findings in various scientific journals that advanced understanding of plant virology.

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Frank Parker

American tennis player and champion
Born
January 31st, 1916 109 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 81 years old

Achieved significant success in tennis during the mid-20th century. Contributed to American tennis as a player and coach. Won the 1944 U.S. National Championships, securing a place in tennis history. Excelled in both singles and doubles, earning acclaim for contributions to the sport. Later transitioned into coaching, influencing new generations of tennis players.

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Xuân Diệu

Vietnamese poet and author of 'Love Poems'
Born
February 2nd, 1916 109 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1985 39 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent figure in Vietnamese literature, recognized for contributions to poetry and prose. Published the celebrated poetry collection 'Love Poems,' which showcased modern Vietnamese poetic expression. Worked as a journalist and editor, influencing literary movements in Vietnam. Achieved a reputation for a unique style that blended traditional themes with contemporary influences, exploring love, nature, and existential reflection.

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John Crank

Mathematician & physicist, heat diffusion
Born
February 6th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 2006 18 years ago — 90 years old

Contributions spanned applied mathematics and physics, particularly focusing on problems in heat conduction and diffusion processes. Authored significant texts, including the influential book 'Free and Forced Convection' which presented mathematical methods applicable to scientific problems. Developed numerical methods that solved differential equations, establishing groundwork for future advancements in the field. Worked extensively with the Laplace and Fourier transforms to model physical phenomena. Engaged in research that bridged theory and practical applications, impacting engineering and scientific communities.

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