Wednesday, 17th January 1945 in Berlin
Welcome to your daily snapshot of Berlin! Explore 60 historical events, birthdays, deaths, and milestones that shaped this day in Berlin. From remarkable moments in local and world history to the people who left their mark — find out what makes today special. Today's weather in Berlin brings snowy with temperatures between -10°C and 1°C. Tonight's moon is in its waning gibbous phase, and the zodiac sign of the day is Capricorn. If you're curious about the history of a day — this page brings together everything worth knowing about this Wednesday, 17th January in Berlin, DE.
On 17 January 1945, Berlin lay under snow as the Second World War drew towards its conclusion. The city endured snowy conditions whilst Soviet forces advanced from the east, intensifying the conflict that would determine the fate of Europe and beyond. Two significant events from this date's historical record underscore the global upheaval of the era. Australian troops advanced along the northern part of Bougainville Island and began fighting Japanese forces in the Battle of Tsimba Ridge, marking a key engagement in the Pacific theatre. Meanwhile, on this same day, Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who had saved thousands of Jews from the Holocaust, was taken into Soviet custody during the Siege of Budapest and was never seen in public again, representing one of the war's most enduring mysteries.
Berlin itself has served as the capital of Prussia, the German Empire, and modern Germany, positioned along the Spree and Havel rivers in northeastern Germany. The city has been central to European politics, culture, and conflict for centuries, particularly during the twentieth century when it became emblematic of Cold War division.
Astrologically, 17 January falls under the sign of Capricorn, a date characterised by a waning gibbous moon phase. Those born on this day share the disciplined and practical traits associated with this earth sign, whilst the waning gibbous moon suggested a period of reflection and gradual transition from fullness to darkness.
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Find out what's happening today in Berlin.
What the Weather Had in Store for Berlin on 17th January 1945
A single thread pulls meaning from chaos.
Fortune of the Day
17th January in the Stars – Star Sign Pisces
Personality Profile
Personality Those born on 17th January blend typical Capricorn ambition with unexpected grace thanks to Venus influence. They appear reserved and structured, yet possess subtle emotional depth and harmony-seeking nature. This combination creates thoughtful achievers with quiet artistic sensibility.
Strengths & Weaknesses Their discipline and dependability are admirable; they complete long-term projects with remarkable patience. However, they tend toward self-criticism and can appear overly serious. Their capacity to express joy could be more visible.
Love In relationships, these individuals offer unwavering loyalty and deep feeling revealed gradually over time. Venus influence grants them charm and sensuality as trust develops. They value partners who provide stability and authenticity.
Caree & Finance Professional ambition drives them toward positions of responsibility and financial security. Money management is instinctive; they systematically build wealth. Creative or interpersonal roles naturally activate their Venus dimension.
Health These natives risk overwork and should prioritize regular relaxation and downtime. Physical constitution is robust, yet emotional stress relief through movement or art proves beneficial. Balance between duty and pleasure is vital for wellbeing.
That night, the moon was in its waning gibbous phase.
Chinese year of the Monkey (Wood).
Fun Facts About 17th January
Name Days in Your Language: Anthony, Antoine, Antoinette, Anton, Antonia, Antonio, Antony, Antwan, Ben, Benita, Benito, Benjamin, Bennie, Benny, Toni, Tony
Someone born on this day in 1945 would be 81 years old today — just 29,666 days into life, which is roughly 711,992 hours, 42,719,527 minutes, or 2,563,171,658 seconds spent on Earth so far.
It's the 17. day of the year.
There are 348 days still to come.
We’re currently in Week 3 — the year marches on.
Famous Birthdays on 17th January
- Davíð Oddsson, Icelandic politician, 21st Prime Minister of Iceland (died 2026) (1948)
- Joanna David, English actress (1947)
- Jane Elliot, American actress (1947)
- Javed Akhtar, Indian poet, playwright, and composer (1945)
- Anne Cutler, Australian psychologist and academic (died 2022) (1945)
- Ann Oakley, English sociologist, author, and academic (1944)
- Chris Montez, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (1943)
- René Préval, Haitian agronomist and politician, 52nd President of Haiti (died 2017) (1943)
- Muhammad Ali, American boxer and activist (died 2016) (1942)
- Ita Buttrose, Australian journalist and author (1942)
Lives Remembered on 17th January
- Didier Guillaume, French politician, 25th Minister of State of Monaco (born 1959) (2025)
- Jules Feiffer, American cartoonist, playwright, screenwriter, and educator (born 1929) (2025)
- Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat, Mongolian politician, 1st President of Mongolia (born 1942) (2025)
- Denis Law, Scottish footballer (born 1940) (2025)
- Lucile Randon, French supercentenarian (born 1904) (2023)
- Birju Maharaj, Indian dancer (born 1937) (2022)
- Rasheed Naz, Pakistani film and television actor (born 1948) (2021)
- Derek Fowlds, British actor (born1937) (2020)
- S. Balakrishnan, Malayalam movie composer (born 1948) (2019)
- Tirrel Burton, American football player and coach (born 1929) (2017)
Celebrations & Special Days Worldwide on 17th January
- Christian feast day: Anthony the Great
- Christian feast day: Blessed Angelo Paoli
- Christian feast day: Blessed Gamelbert of Michaelsbuch
- Christian feast day: Charles Gore (Church of England)
- Christian feast day: Jenaro Sánchez Delgadillo (one of Saints of the Cristero War)
- Christian feast day: Mildgyth
- Christian feast day: Our Lady of Pontmain
- Christian feast day: Sulpitius the Pious
- Christian feast day: January 17 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
- National Day (Menorca, Spain)
- The opening ceremony of Patras Carnival, celebrated until Clean Monday. (Patras, Greece)
What Happened on 17th January?
- The Renville Agreement between the Netherlands and Indonesia is ratified. (1948)
- The UN Security Council holds its first session. (1946)
- World War II: The Vistula–Oder Offensive forces German troops out of Warsaw. (1945)
- The SS-Totenkopfverbände begin the evacuation of the Auschwitz concentration camp as the Red Army closes in. (1945)
- Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg is taken into Soviet custody while in Hungary; he is never publicly seen again. (1945)
- World War II: Allied forces launch the first of four assaults on Monte Cassino with the intention of breaking through the Winter Line and seizing Rome, an effort that would ultimately take four months and cost 105,000 Allied casualties. (1944)
- World War II: Greek submarine Papanikolis captures the 200-ton sailing vessel Agios Stefanos and mans her with part of her crew. (1943)