Franz Karl Reichelt (1878–1912), also known as Henry François Reichelt after his French naturalization, was an Austro-Hungarian-born French tailor, inventor, and parachuting pioneer. He is now sometimes referred to as the Flying Tailor. Reichelt is remembered for a daring and tragic event that took place on February 4, 1912, at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Reichelt had developed a parachute suit with the intention of saving pilots from plane crashes. His invention was meant to allow aviators to escape safely when their aircraft malfunctioned. To test his creation, he decided to perform a parachute jump from the Eiffel Tower.

On that fateful day, Reichelt climbed to the top of the tower, wearing his parachute suit. As a crowd gathered below, he hesitated momentarily, perhaps realizing the gravity of his decision. Despite warnings from authorities and spectators, he leaped off the tower. Read More »

During more than a decade of American alcohol prohibition, the black economy grew stronger through alcohol smuggling. Secret revelries were opened, and the poorer social strata produced the drinks, which were often of poor quality and dangerous to health, for themselves.

Sailors jump from the hull of HMS Barham as she capsizes and her magazines explode.