What Happened This Year 1941

People Who Died in 1941

Wal Handley

English motorcycle racer and champion
Born
1902 123 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1941 83 years ago — 39 years old

Competed in motorcycle racing during the 1920s and 1930s. Won the 1931 Isle of Man TT in the 350cc class, securing a prominent position in the sport. Secured multiple victories in the North West 200 and was renowned for racing for the works BSA team. Obtained numerous race wins and set records during a successful career, becoming a well-respected figure in motorcycle racing history.

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Miina Härma

Estonian organist and conductor
Born
February 9th, 1864 161 years ago
Died
November 16th, 1941 83 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1864, contributions to Estonian music included compositions and leading choirs. Served as a prominent organist in various churches. Composed numerous works that integrated folk elements into classical forms. Played a crucial role in the establishment of music education in Estonia, promoting the development of young musicians and fostering a vibrant cultural scene.

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Eduard Eelma

Estonian footballer and national team player
Born
April 7th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
November 16th, 1941 83 years ago — 39 years old

Played as a defender in football. Competed for the Estonia national team from 1923 to 1933. Participated in the 1924 Summer Olympics as part of the national squad. Contributed significantly to the development of football in Estonia during the early years of the sport in the country.

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Émile Nelligan

Canadian poet celebrated for 'Chants d'Automne'
Born
December 24th, 1879 145 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1941 83 years ago — 61 years old

A significant figure in Canadian literature, this poet emerged in the early 20th century. His work captured the essence of the Symbolist movement, influencing subsequent generations of writers. The poet's first collection, 'Les fleurs du mal' (1897), showcased a talent that would define his legacy. Suffering from mental illness, he spent a significant portion of his life in a psychiatric institution, which limited his output. Despite these challenges, his poetry resonated with readers and critics alike, often reflecting themes of solitude and existential angst. His style combined rich imagery with a deep emotional undercurrent, leaving a lasting imprint on the literary landscape of Quebec.

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Walther Nernst

Chemist and Physicist, Nobel Laureate
Born
June 25th, 1864 160 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1941 83 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1864 in Germany, contributions to the fields of chemistry and physics included the development of the Nernst equation and the formulation of the third law of thermodynamics. Significant work in physical chemistry involved heat measurements and chemical equilibria. His research greatly advanced the understanding of chemical potentials and reaction rates. Nernst was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1920 for his work in thermochemistry.

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Chris Watson

Chilean-Australian Prime Minister
Born
April 9th, 1867 157 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1941 83 years ago — 74 years old

Born in Chile and later migrating to Australia, served as the 3rd Prime Minister of Australia from 1904 to 1905. Made history as the first Australian Prime Minister representing the Labor Party and the world's first avowed socialist to hold the office. Established important labor reforms during his administration and focused on workers' rights.

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Henrietta Vinton Davis

American actress and playwright
Born
1860 165 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1941 83 years ago — 81 years old

An actress and playwright, contributions to the arts included performances and writings that emphasized African American culture. Collaborated with notable figures in the Harlem Renaissance, participating in various theatrical productions and influencing contemporary dramatic works. Engaged in activism through art, promoting civil rights and social equality. Involved in both the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and other organizations that sought to improve the conditions and representation of African Americans in the performing arts.

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Werner Mölders

German colonel and Luftwaffe pilot
Born
March 18th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 1941 83 years ago — 28 years old

Born in 1913, this individual served as a colonel in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He became the first pilot to achieve 100 aerial victories. Mölders played a significant role in the early air battles of the war and was instrumental in the Battle of Britain. His tactical skills were recognized with multiple awards, including the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. Mölders died in a flying accident in 1941.

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Ernest Lapointe

Canadian Minister of Justice
Born
October 6th, 1876 148 years ago
Died
November 26th, 1941 83 years ago — 65 years old

Served as the 18th Minister of Justice in Canada from 1921 to 1926. Played a key role in various legal reforms and legislative initiatives during his tenure. Contributed to discussions on national policy and the legal framework of the country. Assisted in shaping the Liberal Party's legal agenda and represented the party in multiple capacities.

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