What Happened on September 14, 1939

Historical Events

  • British fleet attacks German U-39 boat

Churchill Visits Scapa Flow

First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill visits British naval base Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands

1st Helicopter Takes Off

World’s 1st practical helicopter, the VS-300 designed by Igor Sikorsky takes (tethered) flight in Stratford, Connecticut


Famous Birthdays

  • Cornelius "Nini" Harp, American doo-wop singer (The Marcels - "Blue Moon"), born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (d. 2013)
  • Guy Webster, American celebrity portrait photographer, album cover artist (The Byrds; The Mamas & the Papas; Taj Mahal; Rolling Stones), and educator, born in Los Angeles, California (d. 2019)
  • Piet Stoffelen, Dutch ambassador and MP (PvdA), born in Oldenzaal, Netherlands (d. 2011)

About September 14, 1939

Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 84 years, 7 months and 14 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Virgo