Born 1927

Your life in history

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

1. 1927

   You were born

2. 1932

   You turned 5

3. 1937

   You turned 10

4. 1940

   You turned 13

5. 1943

   You turned 16

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

6. 1945

   You turned 18

7. 1948

   You turned 21

8. 1957

   You turned 30

9. 1967

   You turned 40

   The Six-Day War redrew the Middle East — In June 1967, six days of fighting between Israel and its neighbours changed the map of the region.

10. 1977

    You turned 50

11. 1987

    You turned 60

12. 1997

    You turned 70

13. 2007

    You turned 80

14. 2017

    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 1927 — music, movies, technology and more.

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

  The year 1945, through fresh eyes.

• Things that are younger than you →

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

• Compare 1927 with 1998 →

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