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9th May

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1978: Aldo Moro found dead


On this day, terrorist kidnappers murder Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro and dump his body in Rome. Moro, considered by many to be the most capable politician in Italy after World War II, served five times as prime minister and enacted important reforms in the country. Ironically, after allowing Socialist participation in the government, Moro was kidnapped by Red Brigade terrorists who demanded the release of Red Brigade members on trial in Turin. The Italian government refused to bargain with the left-wing terrorists, and on May 9, 1978, Moro's lifeless body was found riddled with bullets in the back of a car in central Rome.

1998

Sex changed singer Dana International wins the Eurovision Song Contest for Israel with the song: 'Diva'.

1978

The body of former Italian prime Minister Aldo Moro is found in the boot of a car in the centre of Rome - a victim of the terrorist group the Red Brigades.

1968

In London, the arrest of the Kray twins, Ronald and Reggie - British gangsters wanted for murder and armed robbery.

1960

Start of the sexual revolution of the 1960s when the birth control pill goes on the market.

1949

Britain's first self-service launderette opens in London.

1946

Abdication of the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III.

1945

World War II: Russian troops capture Prague, Czechoslovakia.

1940

World War II: the RAF begins night bombing of Germany.

1933

In Germany, Chancellor Adolf Hitler orders the burning of 'un-German' books. A large bonfire of books is set alight in front of Berlin University. Other such bonfires are lit around Germany. Authors considered 'un-German' include Karl Marx; Sigmund Freud, Bertolt Brecht and Albert Einstein.

1930

Britain appoints John Masefield as Poet Laureate.

1896

The first Horseless Carriage Show opens at the Imperial Institute in London. 10 engine-powered models go on show to the public.

1851

Opening of the Great Exhibition - a celebration of British manufacturing and commercial prowess - in the Crystal Palace.

1695

Scottish Parliament meets to discuss the Massacre of Glencoe.

1671

Irishman Colonel Thomas Blood attempts to steal the British Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. Despite being caught red-handed, he is pardoned by King Charles II.

1662

First recorded Punch & Judy Show in Britain at Covent Garden in London.

1936

British actress and politician Glenda Jackson.

1936

British actor Albert Finney.

1934

British playwright,author and actor Alan Bennett.

1873

British Egyptologist Howard Carter - excavates the Valley of the Kings at Thebes in 1922 finding the tomb of Egyptian King Tutankhamen.

1860

Writer J.M.Barrie at Kirriemuir in Scotland - author of Peter Pan.

1800

American anti-slavery campaigner John Brown is hanged by the Confederacy for murder in 1859.

1999

British actor and writer Sir Dirk Bogarde, aged 78.

1986

Sherpa Tenzing dies in Norway aged 72. He and Sir Edmund Hilary became the first men to climb to the top of Everest in 1953.

1977

American writer James Jones - author of From Here to Eternity.

1968

Scottish actor Finlay Currie aged 90.

1949

Louis II, Prince on Monaco.