What Happened This Year 1945

People Who Died in 1945

Percy Perrin

English cricketer and first-class player
Born
May 26th, 1876 148 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1876, this individual played cricket primarily for Essex and had a first-class career that spanned from 1897 to 1914. He was a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler. Over his career, he participated in numerous matches, showcasing his skills in both batting and bowling. His contributions helped shape the early years of the club's competitive stature.

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Heinrich Wölfflin

Swiss art historian and critic
Born
June 21st, 1864 160 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent figure in the field of art history, engaged in the analysis and classification of visual art. Developed a systematic approach to understanding the evolution of styles in Western art, particularly through the contrast of Renaissance and Baroque periods. Contributed significantly to the discourse surrounding aesthetics and visual perception. Served as a professor at various institutions, including the University of Berlin and the University of Basel, influencing multiple generations of art historians.

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Margot Frank

Holocaust victim and diary author
Born
February 16th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 19 years old

Born in Germany in 1926, a Jewish girl faced persecution during World War II. In 1933, fled to the Netherlands with the family to escape Nazi discrimination. In 1942, went into hiding in Amsterdam with the family to avoid deportation. This period was documented in a diary, providing insight into life in hiding. Arrested in 1944 and deported to Auschwitz and later to Bergen-Belsen, where she died in early 1945.

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Violette Szabo

French-British secret agent during WWII
Born
June 26th, 1921 103 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 95 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 159 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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Karl Hanke

German businessman and politician
Born
August 24th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 42 years old

Served as a prominent member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party and held various significant positions within the Nazi regime. Managed the German Economic Ministry during World War II and played a role in war production coordination. As Gauleiter of Lower Silesia, contributed to local governance and wartime policies. Post-war, was captured and tried, with sentences reflecting his political affiliations and wartime activities.

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