Born 1903

Your life in history

Every milestone of your life happened in a historical year. Here they are, side by side.

1. 1903

   You were born

2. 1908

   You turned 5

3. 1913

   You turned 10

4. 1916

   You turned 13

5. 1919

   You turned 16

6. 1921

   You turned 18

7. 1924

   You turned 21

8. 1933

   You turned 30

9. 1943

   You turned 40

   The Dambusters Raid — On the night of 16–17 May 1943, RAF Lancasters used bouncing bombs to attack German dams in the Ruhr valley.

10. 1953

    You turned 50

11. 1963

    You turned 60

12. 1973

    You turned 70

13. 1983

    You turned 80

14. 1993

    You turned 90

Historical notes appear for years we've filled in so far — more are being added all the time.

Keep exploring

• See the world you were born into →

  The full picture for 1903 — music, movies, technology and more.

• What was the world like when you turned 18? →

  The year 1921, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

  From the NHS to the iPhone — how much arrived after you did?

• Compare 1903 with 1998 →

  Two birth years, side by side. Try it with family.