What Happened on June 17, 1940

Historical Events

  • France asks Germany for terms of surrender in WW II
  • General De Gaulle departs Bordeaux for London
  • Germany occupiers ration bread in Holland
  • USSR occupies Estonia
  • World War II: sinking of the RMS Lancastria by the Luftwaffe near Saint-Nazaire, France

Famous Birthdays

  • Alton Kelley, American graphic artist, known for concert posters and album cover art (Grateful Dead -"Workingman's Dead"; Steve Miller Band - "Book of Dreams"), born in Houlton, Maine (d. 2008)
  • Bobby Bell, American College/Pro Football HOF linebacker (Uni of Minnesota; Super Bowl 1970 KC Chiefs; NFL Defensive Player of the Year 1969; First-team All-Pro 1970; Pro Bowl 1970, 71, 72), born in Shelby, North Carolina
  • Chuck Rainey, American jazz and session bassist (Steely Dan; Quincy Jones; Aretha Franklin; Mose Allison), born in Cleveland, Ohio

George Akerlof (83 years old)

American economist (The Market for Lemons) and 2001 Nobel laureate, born in New Haven, Connecticut

  • Tony Marlow, British Conservative Party politician, born in Greenwich, London

Famous Deaths

  • Arthur Harden, English biochemist (Nobel Prize 1929), dies at 74
Died in 1940 1940 Highlights

About June 17, 1940

Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 83 years, 10 months and 10 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Gemini