It’s hard to believe that we’re approaching the middle of November already! However, before you let the month – and the rest of fall – fly by, now’s a great chance to look back at some of the most exciting moments from history that unfolded on this very date. At the end of this guide, we’ll also share with you a few famous birthdays unfolding today, and a few details about your star sign if you’re celebrating your own birthday.
On this day
1German bombers devastated Coventry.
On the night of 14 to 15 November 1940, the German air force bombed Coventry for more than ten hours, destroying much of the city centre and its medieval cathedral. Around 570 people were killed.
2Nellie Bly took on Phileas Fogg’s challenge.
Jules Verne’s classic novel, Around The World In 80 Days, follows the adventures of one Phileas Fogg, who takes on a bet that he can circumnavigate the globe in just under three months. On this day in 1889, American journalist Nellie Bly set off from Hoboken to try the challenge for herself! She returned some 72 days later!
3The first UK singles chart was published.
On 14 November 1952, the New Musical Express printed the first UK singles chart. The first number one was Here in My Heart by Al Martino.
4The Russian Civil War ended in Crimea.
On 14 November 1920, the last ships carrying General Wrangel’s White Army left Crimea, ending the main fighting of the Russian Civil War. The Red Army entered Sevastopol the next day.
5The Channel Tunnel opened!
In 1994, the first public trains ran through the Channel Tunnel. The tunnel that links England and France under the English Channel is still a popular route for tourists and commercial vehicles to this day – it’s certainly one of the quickest ways to get to and from the continent if you’re a Brit!
Special Days Falling on November 14th
November 14th is also a date to think of others, thank those who help us, and support those who need it. Here are some of the events taking place around the world to consider today.
Children’s Day
In India, November 14th is Children’s Day. The day exists to raise awareness about the rights, education, and care of children across the nation. The day is also a tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. He famously advocated for children and was even known as Chacha Nehru among them.
World Diabetes Day
Every 14 November is World Diabetes Day, created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization. The date is the birthday of Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1921.
Operating Room Nurse Day
November 14th is also Operating Room Nurse Day. It is a day we take to thank the nurses who work tirelessly to ensure our health and well-being. Nurses are crucial in societies all over the world, and while we do appreciate them, there is no denying that they are in a thankless job. So, today is the perfect day to thank all nurses and operating room nurses above all else!
This month in history
In 1703, the Great Storm hit southern England. The storm, which lasted for two days, flooded the Thames and Severn Rivers and killed at least 8,000 people.
Famous Birthdays on November 14th
- William III, William of Orange, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland and Stadtholder, born 1650
- Claude Monet, French painter, born 1840
- Frederick Banting, Canadian scientist, born 1891
- Veronica Lake, American actor, born 1922
- Olga Kurylenko, Ukrainian-French actor and model, born 1979
If you were born on November 14th…
…you’re a Scorpio! You’re brave, passionate, and loyal. However, you can also sometimes be very distrustful and jealous.
Learn more about Scorpios from our Scorpio facts page!
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