What Happened This Year 1945

People Who Died in 1945

Leif Tronstad

Chemist and military leader, Norway
Born
March 27th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 42 years old

Contributed significantly to the development of chemical warfare during World War II. Led efforts in sabotage operations against German forces, particularly in Norway. Played a crucial role in the production of heavy water, a key component for nuclear reactors, by working on the Vemork hydroelectric plant sabotage. Actively participated in the Norwegian government in exile, advocating for effective resistance against Nazi occupation.

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Jelena Dimitrijević

Serbian feminist writer and social worker
Born
March 27th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1862, a Serbian short story writer, novelist, poet, and social worker. Actively engaged in feminist movements and traveled extensively, promoting educational opportunities for women. Wrote works exploring themes of gender and societal roles in her time. Contributed significantly to the cultural heritage of Serbia through her literary endeavors and advocacy.

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Gustav Flatow

German gymnast and Olympic medalist
Born
January 7th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 70 years old

Competed in gymnastics during the early 20th century, achieving notable success in international competitions. Participated in the 1896 Summer Olympics, contributing to the sport's development in Germany. Acquired several national titles and was a prominent figure in gymnastics, exemplifying the art and discipline of the sport.

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Albert Jay Nock

American author and social critic
Born
October 13th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 75 years old

An influential theorist and author, focused on social criticism and classical liberalism. Authored notable works including 'Our Enemy, the State', which critiques government power and its impact on individual liberty. Contributed essays to various publications, showcasing a strong critique of welfare statism and advocating for personal autonomy and limited government. Involved in debates regarding individualism and societal structure during the early to mid-20th century. Influenced libertarian thinking and the American conservative movement through written works and public discourse.

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Violette Szabo

French-British secret agent during WWII
Born
June 26th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 24 years old

Served as a secret agent in World War II, engaging in sabotage and reconnaissance missions in occupied France. Joined the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and completed multiple successful missions, including assisting the French Resistance. Captured in 1944, endured torture before being executed at the Ravensbrück concentration camp.

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Anne Frank

Diariest; author of 'The Diary of a Young Girl'
Born
June 12th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 16 years old

Born in Frankfurt, a Jewish girl moved to Amsterdam to escape Nazi persecution. During World War II, lived in hiding with her family in the secret annex of her father's office. Documented experiences in a diary, which later became a significant historical account of the Holocaust. The diary was published posthumously under the title 'The Diary of a Young Girl', gaining worldwide recognition and contributing to the understanding of the impact of war and discrimination on individual lives.

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Franz Schädle

German SS officer during WWII
Born
November 19th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 39 years old

Served as an SS officer during World War II. Held positions in various Nazi military units, contributing to the regime's efforts. Participated in operations that aligned with the organization's goals and ideology. Post-war actions and affiliations drew attention in historical accounts of the conflict and associated atrocities.

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Jac. P. Thijsse

Botanist and conservationist, 'Flora of the Netherlands'
Born
July 25th, 1865 160 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent botanist and conservationist, significantly contributed to the understanding of the Dutch flora and the importance of nature conservation. Advocated for the protection of nature and was active in establishing natural reserves in the Netherlands. Authored 'Flora of the Netherlands', a key reference work that detailed various plant species in the region. Played a crucial role in the establishment of the Dutch Society for Nature Conservation, which focuses on preserving natural habitats.

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Jack Thayer

American businessman and Titanic survivor
Born
December 24th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 51 years old

Born on December 24, 1894, a businessman associated with the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. Survived the disaster by escaping on a lifeboat. After the Titanic incident, focused on a business career, including involvement in railroads and real estate. Represented a generation affected by the economic changes of the early 20th century.

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