October 12

Elmer Ambrose Sperry was born in 1860 in Chicago and became fascinated with electrical engineering at a young age. In 1911, he co-invented the gyrocompass, revolutionizing maritime navigation with a non-magnetic directional instrument. Sperry founded the Sperry Gyroscope Company, which provided navigation systems for naval and commercial vessels. His innovations also spurred developments in aircraft stabilization and autopilot systems. A prolific inventor, he held over 300 patents across gyroscopes, electrical machines, and control devices. Sperry's work laid the technological groundwork for modern navigation and aviation industries. He died in 1930, remembered as a pioneer of 20th-century engineering.

Kamini Roy was born in 1864 in Bengal and became the first woman to graduate from Calcutta University in 1883. A poet and translator, she published collections of verse that explored themes of love, nature, and social justice. Roy was a leading advocate for women's education and suffrage in India, collaborating with organizations to open schools and promote literacy. She served on the Calcutta University Senate, influencing academic policies in favor of female students. Her feminist essays and speeches inspired a generation of Indian women to pursue higher education and public roles. Roy's legacy endures in Indian literature and women's movements. She passed away in 1933, honored for her pioneering spirit and literary contributions.

James Ramsay MacDonald was born in 1866 in Lossiemouth, Scotland, and began his career as a journalist for Liberal and Labour publications. He was a founding member of the Independent Labour Party and served as Leader of the Labour Party from 1922. In 1924, MacDonald made history as the United Kingdom's first Labour Prime Minister, leading a minority government focused on social reforms. He returned to office from 1929 to 1935, guiding Britain through the onset of the Great Depression with policies aimed at economic stabilization and unemployment relief. His tenure was marked by controversy over budgetary cuts and the formation of the National Government in 1931. MacDonald's leadership helped cement Labour's transition from a fringe movement to a major political party. He died in 1937, remembered for his groundbreaking role in British politics.

August Horch was born in 1868 in Winningen, Germany, and trained as a mechanical engineer. In 1899, he established A. Horch & Cie, one of Germany's first automobile manufacturers. Following a dispute with investors, he left and founded Audi Automobilwerke in 1910, drawing on the Latin translation of his surname. Under his leadership, Audi produced vehicles with advanced engineering features, such as overhead valves and aluminum components. Horch's commitment to quality and performance laid the foundation for Audi's reputation in luxury automobiles. He retired from the company in 1920 but remained a respected figure in the automotive industry. Horch died in 1951, honored as a pioneer of German car manufacturing.

Velvalee Dickinson operated a business selling antique dolls in New York City, which she used to hide microfilm and secret documents bound for Japanese intelligence. Dubbed the 'Doll Woman' by the press, she managed an elaborate espionage network prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1944, she was arrested and convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage against the United States. Dickinson received a prison sentence but was released on parole after serving part of her term. Her case highlighted the covert dangers on American soil during wartime. After her release, she lived quietly and the details of her life after incarceration remain largely obscure.

Logie Bruce Lockhart was born in Edinburgh in 1921 and earned caps playing fullback for Scotland, appearing in the Five Nations Championship. He also toured with the British and Irish Lions in 1950, showcasing his tactical skill and resilience. After his playing career, Lockhart transitioned to journalism, covering sports for national newspapers and becoming a respected commentator on rugby. He balanced his love of sport with a passion for literature and education, lecturing at universities and writing columns that blended analysis with personal insight. Lockhart’s contributions helped popularize rugby and brought depth to sports journalism in the UK. He was celebrated for his integrity, depth of knowledge, and ability to connect with readers and fans alike. Lockhart passed away in 2020, remembered as a pioneering figure in both rugby and sports media.

William H. Sullivan was born in 1922 and served as an Army officer in World War II before joining the U.S. Foreign Service. He held diplomatic postings in Asia and Europe, rising to become Ambassador to Laos and later to the Philippines in 1969. During his tenure in Manila, Sullivan navigated complex political challenges, including unrest leading up to the end of Ferdinand Marcos’s presidency. He was known for his strategic acumen, language skills, and efforts to strengthen U.S.-Philippine relations. Sullivan also contributed to policy planning in Washington, helping shape U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia. After retiring, he lectured on diplomacy and published memoirs reflecting on his career. His legacy endures in the field of international relations and diplomatic practice.

Angela Rippon is an English journalist, newsreader and author born in 1944. She joined the BBC in the early 1970s and made history as its first full-time female television newsreader, paving the way for women in broadcasting. Over her career, Rippon has presented a broad range of programs including Top Gear, Inside Out and various documentary series, showcasing her versatility. She is also a published author, having written several children's books and crime novels that reflect her narrative skill. A passionate advocate for the arts, Rippon co-founded the British Federation of Festivals to support competitive performing arts. Her dynamic presence and contributions to media have earned her numerous awards and a lasting legacy in television journalism.

Chris Wallace, born in 1947, is an American broadcast journalist and son of CBS reporter Mike Wallace. He began his career at NBC News, rose to prominence at ABC's 20/20 and later hosted Fox News Sunday from 2003 to 2021. Wallace is renowned for his tough, impartial interviewing style, having questioned presidents, world leaders and CEOs. He moderated several high-profile presidential debates, earning acclaim for fair and probing questioning. In 2021, he left Fox News to join CNN+, expanding his role with streaming interviews and town halls. Wallace's contributions have been recognized with multiple Emmy Awards and the Dupont-Columbia Journalism Award.

Born Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, he joined the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in the early 1970s. He orchestrated numerous high-profile hijackings and bombings across Europe and the Middle East. Dubbed “Carlos the Jackal” by the media, he became a symbol of international terrorism. Evading capture for years, he lived under false identities before being arrested in 1994. He was convicted of multiple murders and attacks and remains imprisoned in France. His tactics influenced modern militant strategies and security responses.

Catherine Holmes is an Australian judge noted for her leadership in the judiciary. She served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland from 2015 to 2022, overseeing significant legal reforms and court administration. In June 2022, she was appointed a Justice of the High Court of Australia, marking a historic milestone in her career. Holmes has presided over major civil and criminal cases, earning respect for her fair and analytical approach to the law. Throughout her career, she has contributed to legal scholarship and advocated for improvements in the justice system.

Annik Honoré was a Belgian journalist who specialized in music coverage and cultural reporting. She became a respected figure in the Belgian music scene throughout the 1970s and 1980s. As a promoter, she organized concerts that introduced emerging bands to wider audiences. Her collaborations with influential artists helped shape the post-punk and new wave movements. Honoré's work bridged journalism and event planning, leaving a lasting impact on Belgium's music industry. She passed away in 2014, remembered for her dedication to independent music and journalism.