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31st October

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1956: Canal crisis escalates


On October 31, 1956, Britain and France bomb Egypt in retaliation for the barring of their ships from the Suez Canal. The attack came two days after Israel invaded Egypt, seizing the Gaza Strip and driving through the Sinai to the canal. After joining Israel in the hostilities, Britain and France deployed troops to the Canal Zone and demanded the immediate evacuation of Egyptian forces. The international community condemned the military action, and Britain and France agreed to withdraw as a United Nations emergency force was sent to the area in December. In 1957, Israeli and U.N. troops departed, and the Suez Canal passed back into Egyptian hands.

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 by 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.

1888

Scottish inventor John Boyd Dunlop patents pneumatic bicycle tyres.

1864

In America, Nevada becomes a state.

1959

American actor Val Klimmer. Films include 'Top Gun' and 'Batman Forever'

1922

American actress Barbara Bel Geddes. Towards the end of a stage and film career becomes best known as 'Miss Ellie' - the mother of 'JR' and 'Bobby Ewing' in the American TV series 'Dallas' during the 1970s and 1980s

1920

English author and former jockey Dick Francis.

1910

Chinese President Chiang Kai-Shek After military training in Tokyo, fights in the 1911 Chinese revolution - commanding the Chinese Army (1926-1928) which unifies China. Is appointed President of the Republic of China (1928-1931). Commander in Chief of Chinese forces fighting the Japanese between 1935-1945 but forced to retreat to Formosa (Taiwan) unable to stem the rise of Communism in China. President of Nationalist China (Taiwan) from 1950 until his death in 1975.

1993

Italian film director Federico Fellini dies of a stroke aged 73. Best known for directing the award-winning 'La Dolce Vita' (The Sweet Life) in 1960.

1984

Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated by several of her Sikh bodyguards. Was the daughter of Jawaharial Nehru - the first Prime Minister of India after independence from Britain in 1947. Became Prime Minister of India in 1966. Declared a state of emergency in India after being convicted of election malpractice in 1975 and lost her seat in the general election of 1977. Became leader of the Indian National Congress and re-elected Prime Minister in 1980. Her assassination is blamed on her decision to use troops to storm the Sikh Golden Temple at Amritsar. She was succeeded as Prime Minister by her elder son, Rajiv who was killed by a bomb in 1991.

1926

World famous escapologist Harry Houdini dies from peritonitis after being suddenly punched in the stomach by a member of the public wanting to test Houdini's strength and muscle control. Emigrated from Hungary to the United States and, after working as a trapese artist, became famous for being able to free himself from straight-jackets, handcuffs, ropes, chains and padlocks - even if locked in a sealed room or cabinet; suspended from mid-air or under water.