May 05

Elizabeth of Rhuddlan was a medieval English princess born in 1282 as the youngest daughter of King Edward I and Queen Eleanor of Castile. She married John I, Count of Holland, forging an important alliance between England and the Low Countries. After his death, she returned to England and later married Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, with whom she had several children. Elizabeth managed her own estates and played a role in courtly and diplomatic affairs as a noblewoman. Her life illustrates the responsibilities and influence of royal women in medieval Europe. She died in 1316, leaving a legacy through her offspring in both English and Continental nobility.

Prince Tsunenaga was a Japanese imperial prince born in 1324 as a son of Emperor Go-Daigo. He lived during the tumultuous Nanboku-chō period, marked by rival Northern and Southern courts. Though he did not ascend to the throne, Tsunenaga's lineage placed him at the center of dynastic conflicts. Historical records reference his involvement in courtly affairs and succession disputes that defined the era. His early death in 1338 curtailed further political or military ambitions. Tsunenaga's life reflects the complexities of imperial family dynamics in medieval Japan.

Born into a French noble family in 1547, Charlotte of Bourbon embraced Protestantism and fled her Catholic relatives. In 1575 she married William I, Prince of Orange, and served as his consort during the Dutch struggle for independence. Renowned for her deep faith, she supported the Huguenot cause and the reforms of the Dutch Reformation. Her marriage strengthened the alliance between French Protestants and the Dutch rebels. Charlotte's life reflected the religious and political upheavals of 16th-century Europe. She died in Middelburg in 1582, leaving a legacy of religious conviction and political influence.

Born in 1853, Sabapathy co-founded one of Sri Lanka’s earliest English-language newspapers, championing press freedom. He became an influential figure in colonial Ceylon, serving in the Legislative Council to represent local interests. A vocal advocate for education and minority rights, he helped lay the groundwork for modern journalism on the island. Through public speeches and writings, he shaped early nationalist discourse in Sri Lanka. His career bridged media and politics during a transformative era.

Violet Jessop earned the nickname “Miss Unsinkable” after surviving three major maritime disasters in the early 20th century. Born in Argentina in 1887 and raised in England, she served as a stewardess aboard the RMS Olympic in 1911 and survived its collision with HMS Hawke. In 1912, she was on board the Titanic when it struck an iceberg. During World War I, she worked as a nurse on the hospital ship Britannic when it sank in 1916. Jessop later wrote memoirs detailing her extraordinary experiences and continued her nursing career until retiring. Her resilience and first-hand accounts provide unique insights into maritime history.

Bobby Sands was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army who protested for political status by staging a hunger strike in 1981. Born in Belfast in 1954, he was imprisoned for possession of firearms and became leader of the IRA prisoners in the Maze Prison. During his strike, he was elected as Member of Parliament for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, drawing international attention to his cause. Sands died after 66 days without food, his death igniting widespread political unrest and sympathy for the republican movement. His sacrifice has been commemorated through songs, films, and memorials, making him an enduring symbol of resistance in Northern Ireland.

Horst Schumann was a German physician and SS officer who conducted sterilization and medical experiments on prisoners at Auschwitz-Birkenau during World War II. Born in 1901, he joined the Nazi Party and served under Josef Mengele’s supervision. After the war, Schumann was tried for war crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment in Czechoslovakia, though he was released in 1969. His actions exemplify the atrocities committed under the guise of medical research in Nazi Germany. Schumann’s case remains a stark reminder of the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals. He died in 1983, his legacy stained by inhumane experimentation and human rights violations.

George Sidney was born in 1916 into a theatrical family and began his career in Hollywood as a young actor. He shifted to directing and produced many of MGM’s most beloved musicals, including 'Anchors Aweigh' and 'Show Boat.' His flamboyant style and innovative camera techniques helped define the golden age of Hollywood cinema. Sidney’s work received critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations. He collaborated with stars such as Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Gene Kelly, showcasing his flair for vibrant storytelling. Beyond musicals, Sidney directed comedies and dramas, demonstrating his versatility behind the camera. When he passed away in 2002, he left a lasting influence on American film history.

Atıf Yılmaz was born in 1925 in Mersin, Turkey, and emerged as a leading figure in Turkish cinema. He directed and produced over 100 films, often exploring social themes and human relationships. Yılmaz’s screenplays were celebrated for their depth, realism, and emotional resonance. He helped usher in the Turkish New Wave movement in the 1960s and 1970s, influencing generations of filmmakers. His films won numerous awards at national and international festivals, highlighting Turkish storytelling. Yılmaz also mentored young talent in the industry, leaving a lasting impact on Turkey’s creative landscape. He died in 2006, honored as one of his country’s most important cinematic voices.

Born in 1916 as Prince Carl Johan of Sweden, he was the youngest son of King Gustav VI Adolf. In 1946, he married Kerstin Wijkmark, a noblewoman, and renounced his royal titles and succession rights. He was granted the Luxembourgish title Count of Wisborg, under which he engaged in philanthropic activities. Bernadotte lived much of his life in exile in France and Switzerland, maintaining close ties to European royalty. Though removed from official state duties, he supported charitable causes and cultural events. He died in 2012 at the age of 95, remembered for his grace and contributions to humanitarian efforts.

Born in 1932 into the Erkko family, Aatos took the helm of Helsingin Sanomat in the 1960s. He transformed the newspaper into Finland’s leading daily with investigative journalism and modern design. Under his leadership, the media group expanded into magazines, television, and digital platforms. Erkko was known for his commitment to press freedom and editorial independence. A generous philanthropist, he supported arts, education, and scientific research across Finland. He passed away in 2012 at age 79, leaving a lasting imprint on Finnish media and culture.

Robert Ressler (1937–2013) was an American FBI special agent and author who played a key role in developing criminal profiling within the Behavioral Science Unit. During his 20-year career at the FBI, he interviewed serial killers to understand their psychology and co-founded the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP). Ressler’s insights into criminal behavior shaped modern law enforcement practices worldwide. He authored several books detailing his investigations and profiling methodology. His work influenced crime fiction and real-world investigations until his retirement in 1990.