What Happened This Year 1947

People Who Died in 1947

Prince Gustaf Adolf

Duke of Västerbotten, Swedish royalty
Born
April 22nd, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1947 78 years ago — 41 years old

Born into the Swedish royal family, held the title of Duke of Västerbotten. Participated in military service and contributed to various official royal duties. Engaged in charity work and represented the royal family at numerous events. His life was cut short in a tragic plane crash in 1947, which garnered significant attention due to his royal status.

Continue Reading

Emma Orczy

Author of The Scarlet Pimpernel
Born
September 23rd, 1865 159 years ago
Died
1947 78 years ago — 82 years old

Born in Hungary, this individual became a prominent author and playwright in England. The career began with various literary works, but a significant breakthrough occurred with the publication of 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' in 1905, a historical novel that introduced the character of a British aristocrat who secretly rescues French nobility during the Reign of Terror. This work not only gained immense popularity but also established the template for modern superhero narratives. Subsequent adaptations included plays and films, solidifying the character's legacy across multiple media. This individual continued to write plays and novels, contributing to the literary scene of the early 20th century.

Continue Reading

William Fay

Irish actor and producer
Born
November 12th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
1947 78 years ago — 75 years old

An Irish actor and producer, active in the early 20th century, contributed to both stage and film productions. Gained recognition for performances in plays and served as a producer for theatrical works. Worked extensively in the United States and participated in the development of early American theater. Played significant roles in productions that shaped the industry during his time.

Continue Reading

Henrik Schück

Swedish historian and academic author
Born
November 2nd, 1855 169 years ago
Died
1947 78 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent historian and academic in Sweden, contributions focused on the development of Swedish history. Served as a professor of history and made significant contributions to historical research and education. Authored multiple books, enhancing the understanding of Sweden's past and its position in European history. Engaged in various historical societies and organizations, promoting history as a vital field of study.

Continue Reading

Raoul Wallenberg

Diplomat who saved Hungarian Jews
Born
August 4th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
1947 78 years ago — 35 years old

An architect and diplomat, focused on humanitarian efforts during World War II. Assigned as a Swedish envoy to Budapest, facilitated the issuance of protective passports to Jews facing deportation. Established safe houses designated as Swedish territory, which provided shelter to thousands. Promoted international awareness of the plight of Jews, aiming to mitigate their suffering during the Holocaust. Detained by Soviet forces in 1945, details of his fate remain unresolved.

Continue Reading

Luigi Russolo

Italian painter and composer of noise music
Born
April 30th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1947 78 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent figure in the Futurist movement, contributed to both visual arts and music. Developed the concept of noise music, pioneering the use of unconventional sounds. Created the intonarumori, a set of instruments designed to produce noise-based music. Additionally, engaged in painting, with works that reflected the Futurist ideology focused on modernity and dynamism.

Continue Reading

Georg Kolbe

German sculptor and artistic innovator
Born
April 15th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
1947 78 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1877, this sculptor played a significant role in the modern art movement in Germany. Training under renowned artists, the sculptor developed a distinctive style characterized by abstract forms and dynamic expressions. His works often reflected a deep understanding of human anatomy and movement. Major exhibitions throughout Europe showcased unique sculptures that blended classical techniques with modernist sensibilities. The artist's impressive body of work includes notable pieces displayed in museums and collections globally. The legacy includes influences on subsequent generations of sculptors.

Continue Reading

Tadeusz Kutrzeba

Polish general and military leader
Born
April 15th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1947 78 years ago — 62 years old

A prominent figure in the Polish Army, served as a general during World War II. Commanded the operational group in the defense of Poland, facing the invasion by both Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939. Played a significant role in the Battle of Bzura, the largest battle fought by Polish forces during the war, which involved large-scale engagements against the German Army. After the defeat in Poland, he became a prisoner of war.

Continue Reading

Clark Wissler

American anthropologist and author
Born
September 18th, 1870 154 years ago
Died
1947 78 years ago — 77 years old

An anthropologist and educator focused on North American indigenous cultures. Contributed significantly to the understanding of cultural areas and the social organization of Native American tribes. Published influential works including 'The American Indian' and 'The Relation of Culture to Personality'. Worked at the American Museum of Natural History and was involved in various educational and research activities.

Continue Reading