1996

By a narrow margin following a referendum, the people of Quebec vote to remain part of Canada.

1984

Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated a Sikh member of her bodyguard in New Delhi.

1971

A terrorist bomb explodes at the top of the Post Office Tower in London.

1952

United States of America detonates its first hydrogen bomb at Eniwetok Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.

1940

The official end of the 'Battle of Britain' - the six month fight to control the skies over Britain during World War II. The Royal Air Force lost 915 aircraft, the German Luftwaffe lost 1,733. Losing the battle, would have left Britain open to a full invasion by German forces who had already over-run most of continental Europe

1925

Reza Khan deposes the existing Shah of Persia (now Iran).

1922

At the invitation of the King of Italy, Fascist leader Benitto Mussolini forms an Italian Government of Fascists, Liberals and Nationalists

1918

Assassination of Hungarian Prime Minister Count Tisza.

1915

For the first time during World War I, British troops wear steel helmets

1981

American actress Natalie Wood.

1979

English actress Joyce Grenfell, aged 69.

1979

American comedian Zeppo Marx, aged 78.

1900

Irish writer Oscar Fingall O'Flahertie Wills Wilde in Paris aged 44. Writer of witty social comedies: e.g. Lady Windermere's Fan (1892) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895). His only novel: The Picture Of Dorian Gray (1891).