1945: VE Day
After five years, eight months and five days of massive devastation, the end of the European phase of the
Second World War is celebrated on 8 May 1945. Victory in Europe was commemorated with celebrations all around the world in recognition of the unconditional surrender of all
German forces signed in Reims,
France, the day before. British Prime Minister
Winston Churchill told war-weary Londoners, this is your victory, while U.S. President
Harry Truman reminded Americans that until Japan's defeat, victory is but half-won. On 14 August,
Japan agreed to surrender to
the Allies after a momentous eight days that saw two U.S. atomic bombs dropped on Japan and a declaration of war by the Soviets. On 2 September, the Second World War officially ended with the signing of Japan's surrender on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
2006
In a court case in South Africa, former deputy president Jacob Zuma is cleared of rape.
1984
The
Soviet Union withdraws from the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
1978
In New York, America David Berkowitz, who become known as “Son of Sam”, pleads guilty to killing six people. He is later found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. 1972
The
Vietnam War: The U.S. announces that it has mined the major North
Vietnamese ports.
1970
In America, anti-Vietnam war protests and construction workers clash on the streets of New York City. 1968
In England, East End gangsters Reginald, Ronnie and Charlie Kray are arrested in London on suspicion of murder. They are eventually found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. 1945
Thousands of Algerians are massacred by French troops at Setif, in northern
Algeria. 1914
W.W. Hodkinson creates the film financing and distribution
company Paramount Pictures.
1902
Mount Pelee in Martinique erupts, killing over 30,000 people.1898
The first games of the
Italian Football League are played.
1846
The Battle of Palo Alto is fought, the first major battle of the Mexican-American War. 1794
During the reign of terror in
France, prominent chemist and tax collector Antoine Lavoisier, is branded a traitor and guillotined on the same day.
1940
Novelist Peter Benchley born in New York - author of 'Jaws'.1934
American heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston.1884
US President
Harry S Truman.
1828
Jean Henri Dunant, the founder of the International
Red Cross, is born in Geneva.
1994
American
actor George Peppard aged 65.
1986
British
Labour Party politician Manny Shinwell aged 101.
1982
Canadian motor racing driver Gilles Villeneuve.1975
Avery Brundage, head of the International Olympic Committee 1952-1972.1903
Post-impressionist painter Paul Gaugin.
