What Happened on May 20, 1940

Historical Events

  • German General Guderian's tanks reach the English Channel (British expeditionary army)
  • Soccer team HZVV forms in Hoogeveen
  • Trailing 7-1 in 9th to Pitts, Phils win 8-7

Famous Birthdays

  • (Frederick) "Shorty" Long, American soul singer, and pianist ("Devil with the Blue Dress On"; "Here Comes The Judge"), born in Birmingham, Alabama (d. 1969)
  • Sadaharu Oh, of Yomiuri Giants (Japan), hit 868 career HR

Stan Mikita (1940-2018)

Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame center (Stanley Cup 1961; Hart Memorial Trophy [MVP] 1967, 68; 6 x NHL First All-Star Team), born in Sokolče, Slovak Republic


Famous Deaths

  • Amar Singh, Indian cricket all-rounder (7 Tests, 28 wickets; India's first half-century in Test cricket), dies of pneumonia at 29
  • Joris van Severen, Flemish politician and founder of the Alliance of Dietsche National Solidarists, dies at 45
  • Verner von Heidenstam, Swedish poet and novelist (Charles Men, Nobel 1916), dies at 80
Died in 1940 1940 Highlights

About May 20, 1940

Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 83 years, 11 months and 4 days
Leap Year: Yes

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