What Happened This Year 1945

People Who Died in 1945

Hermann Florstedt

German SS officer
Born
1895 130 years ago
Died
April 15th, 1945 79 years ago — 50 years old

Served as an SS officer during World War II, holding significant positions within the Nazi regime. Played a role in the administration and operations of concentration camps, particularly overseeing logistics and personnel. Engaged in the enforcement of Nazi policies and contributed to the systematic persecution of various groups. Died in combat in 1945 as the war drew to a close.

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John Ambrose Fleming

Physicist, Inventor of the Vacuum Tube
Born
November 29th, 1849 175 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1945 79 years ago — 95 years old

Contributions to electrical engineering and physics include the invention of the vacuum tube in 1904, which facilitated the development of radio technology and electronic communication. Developed the Fleming valve, crucial for early electronic amplifiers. Held a professorship at University College London and served as president of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. Engaged in various scientific organizations, contributing to advancements in telephony and radio broadcasting.

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Ernie Pyle

Journalist & war correspondent; WWII reports
Born
August 3rd, 1900 124 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1945 79 years ago — 44 years old

A prominent journalist and war correspondent, this individual specialized in reporting from the front lines during World War II. Coverage included the experiences of soldiers and the harsh realities of warfare. Work appeared in many newspapers across the United States, connecting readers with the front lines of battle. Contributions to wartime literature earned recognition and respect.

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Erwin Bumke

German lawyer and jurist
Born
July 7th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
April 20th, 1945 79 years ago — 70 years old

Bumke served as a prominent German lawyer and jurist in the early 20th century. His career included significant roles in the legal field, particularly in constitutional law. Bumke contributed to the development of legal education and was an influential figure in German jurisprudence. He held various academic positions and participated in legal reform discussions during the Weimar Republic period. His work focused on the intersection of law and government, shaping future legal frameworks.

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Walter Model

German field marshal
Born
January 24th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1945 79 years ago — 54 years old

Served as a field marshal in the German Army during World War II. Held prominent command positions including Army Group Center and Army Group A. Participated in key battles such as the Battle of Kursk and the Ardennes offensive. Contributed to strategic military operations throughout the war and was integral in defending the Western Front.

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Käthe Kollwitz

German painter and sculptor of poignant works
Born
July 8th, 1867 157 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 1945 79 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1867, this artist produced a body of work highlighting themes of poverty, war, and suffering. The early influence of social issues arose from personal experiences, including the loss of a son in World War I. Through engravings, sculptures, and paintings, significant works expressed deep empathy for the human condition. The artist utilized a stark, emotive style, often incorporating elements of realism and expressionism. Major exhibitions and collaborations during the artist's lifetime helped elevate visibility within the artistic community. Later, works were included in museum collections around the world, preserving legacy and relevance.

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Wilhelm Cauer

Mathematician known for functional analysis
Born
June 24th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 1945 79 years ago — 44 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in the area of functional analysis and approximation theory. Worked on problems related to integral equations and developed Cauer's theorem, which is a key result in the theory of continued fractions. Served as a professor and influenced the academic community through both teaching and extensive research. His work laid foundations for modern analysis and had implications in various applied fields.

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Ernst-Robert Grawitz

German physician and medical authority
Born
June 8th, 1899 125 years ago
Died
April 24th, 1945 79 years ago — 45 years old

Graduated from medical school and became a prominent figure in medicine. Served as a leader in the German medical establishment during the mid-20th century. Worked in various capacities to promote medical and scientific research and practices. Contributed to the understanding of cancer treatment and surgery. Authored multiple publications on health and medicine.

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Sigmund Rascher

German physician and experimenter
Born
February 12th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
April 26th, 1945 79 years ago — 36 years old

A German physician worked in the field of aviation medicine and conducted experiments during World War II. Rascher often collaborated with the Luftwaffe, studying the effects of high altitude on the human body and establishing protocols for pilots exposed to extreme conditions. His studies included infamous experiments related to hypothermia and freezing at Dachau concentration camp. He was also involved in unethical medical practices, resulting in his later trial for war crimes post-war.

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