Births on January 11

Lee Ritenour, American guitarist, composer, and producer

Lee Mack Ritenour ( RIT-now-er; born January 11, 1952) is an American jazz guitarist who has been active since the late 1960s.

2 May

De Havilland Comet
The world's first ever jet airliner, the De Havilland Comet 1 makes its maiden flight, from London to Johannesburg.
3 Jul

RMS Queen Mary
The SS United States sets sail on her maiden voyage to Southampton. During the voyage, the ship takes the Blue Riband away from the RMS Queen Mary.
7 Jul

SS United States
The ocean liner SS United States passes Bishop Rock on her maiden voyage, breaking the transatlantic speed record to become the fastest passenger ship in the world.
15 Sep

Eritrea
The United Nations cedes Eritrea to Ethiopia.
20 Oct

Mau Mau Uprising
Governor Evelyn Baring declares a state of emergency in Kenya and begins arresting hundreds of suspected leaders of the Mau Mau Uprising, including Jomo Kenyatta, the future first President of Kenya.