March 19, 1949

1949Blase J. Cupich, American theologian and cardinal^[†]

Blase Joseph Cupich is an American Catholic prelate who has served as Archbishop of Chicago since 2014. He was made a cardinal in 2016.

1949James Somerville, English admiral and politician, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset (born 1882)^[†]

Admiral of the Fleet Sir James Fownes Somerville was a Royal Navy admiral of the fleet. He served in the First World War as fleet wireless officer for the Mediterranean Fleet where he was involved in providing naval support for the Gallipoli Campaign. He also served in the Second World War as commander of the newly formed Force H: after the French armistice with Germany, Winston Churchill gave Somerville and Force H the task of neutralizing the main element of the French battle fleet, then at Mers El Kébir in Algeria. After he had destroyed the French Battle fleet, Somerville played an important role in the pursuit and sinking of the German battleship Bismarck.

1949James Newland, Australian soldier and policeman (born 1881)^[†]

James Ernest Newland, VC was an Australian soldier, policeman and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. Newland was awarded the Victoria Cross following three separate actions in April 1917, during attacks against German forces retreating to the Hindenburg Line. While in command of a company, Newland successfully led his men in several assaults on German positions and repulsed subsequent counter-attacks.