Deaths on February 17

Willy Hess, German violinist and educator (b. 1859)

Willy Hess (14 July 1859 – 17 February 1939) was a German violinist and violin teacher.

3 Mar

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
In Bombay, Mohandas Gandhi begins a hunger strike in protest at the autocratic rule in British India.
1 Apr

Francisco Franco
Spanish Civil War: Generalísimo Francisco Franco of the Spanish State announces the end of the Spanish Civil War, when the last of the Republican forces surrender.
6 Sep

Nazi Germany
World War II: South Africa declares war on Nazi Germany.
14 Dec

Soviet Union
Winter War: The Soviet Union is expelled from the League of Nations for invading Finland.
24 Dec

Pope Pius XII
World War II: Pope Pius XII makes a Christmas Eve appeal for peace.