1939: Germany invades Poland
Covered by the fearsome
Luftwaffe that bombed Polish cities beyond recognition, 58
German divisions cross the border into Poland on September 1, 1939. The Polish army fought bravely to defend the country against the invasion, but were hopelessly outmatched by Germany's modern technology and overwhelming numbers.
Nazi leader Adolf
Hitler expected
appeasement from Britain and France—after all, those nations had given
Czechoslovakia away to German conquest in 1938. However, neither Britain nor France was willing to allow Hitler's new violation of Europe's borders, and
Germany was presented with an ultimatum: withdraw by September 3 or face war. Hitler refused, and
Britain, France, India, Australia, and
New Zealand declared war against Germany on September 3. The European chapter of
World War II had begun.
1997
In
Britain, details are announced of arrangements for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales killed in a car crash in France. In
Paris, claims that the car driver, Henri Paul - who was also killed - had been three times over the French drink-drive limit and may have been driving at more than 120 mph.
1990
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is recovering in hospital after a second operation on his right arm which was broken when he fell from his polo pony.1989
In Britain, the Conservative Government of Margaret Thatcher, begins the contoversial privatisation of the public water authorities.1982
Former Ipswich manager Bobby Robson is appointed manager of the England football manager.1976
450 people are injured and at least 50 arrested during violence at the annual Notting Hill Carnival in London.1972
Bobby Fischer beats Russian world champion Boris Spassky in Reykjavik to become the first American world chess champion. It was Spassky's first defence of the title he won on 1969.1971
The
penny and the thrupenny piece coins cease to be
legal tender as Britain continues the changeover to decimal coinage.
1969
Military leader Muammar
Gaddafi (later giving himself the title of Colonel) siezes power in
Libya, overthrowing the regime of King
Idris I.
1951
Britain's first supermarket opens at Earl's Court in London.1939
British authorities begin the
evacuation of more than a million woman and children from major cities as the possibility of war with
Germany becomes a probability.
1939
Germany invades Poland and the bombing of the Polish capital, Warsaw, begins at 6am. In Britain, for the first time in history, the King goes to
Downing Street instead of the Prime Minister going to
Buckingham Palace as
Neville Chamberlain needs to stay near his telephone during a crisis which leads to the start of
World War II when Germany refuses British demands to withdraw troops from
Poland. 1933
First publication of the classic science-fiction novel 'The Shape Of Things to Come' by H.G.Wells. 1928
Albania is declared a Kingdom with Zog (Ahmed Beg Zogu) as an elected King.1923
An earthquake in
Japan leaves the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama in ruins and kills an estimated 500,000 people.
1914
The Russian city of St Petersburg is re-named Petrograd.1908
In the Middle East, the opening of the Hejaz Railway linking Damascus and
Medina 1896
Chop Suey, supposedly a traditional Chinese meal, is invented in New York1879
In southern Africa, Britain signs a peace treaty with
Zulu chiefs.
1864
American Civil War: Confederate troops abandon the city of Atlanta, in Georgia which is occupied by the Unionists the following day.1859
Pullman (sleeping cars) carriages are first introduced - on the Bloomington to Chicago line in the United States. Sleeping carriages designed and patented by American inventor and businessman Goerge
Mortimer Pullman.
1971
Kenyan athlete Moses Kipanui. Becomes world record holder at 3,000 metres.1962
Dutch international footballer Ruud Gullit. Clubs include Feyenoord; AC Milan and Chelsea. 1957
Pop star Gloria Estefan is born in Havana,
Cuba. 1947
British-born muscian and pop star Barry Gibb - one of four brothers who become world famous as the BeeGees.1945
British singer Englebert Humperdinck who reaches the height of his fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s. 1939
American actress and comedienne
Lily Tomlin born in Detroit, Michigan. Her big break is regular appearances in the 1960s American cult comedy show 'Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In'. Films include 'The Late Show' (1977) and 'Nine to Five' (1980). Becomes well known for her one-woman stage shows.
1933
American country singer Conway Twitty - real name Harold Jenkins.1931
American singer 'Boxcar' Willie.1923
American boxer Rocky Marciano (real name Rocco Francis Marchegiano) is born in Brockton, Massachusetts. Marciano takes up boxing while serving in the American Armed Forces in Britain during
World War II - turning professional in 1947. Wins the world heavyweight title in 1952 defeating the champion, Jersey Joe Walcott. In 1956 retires as undefeated world champion after winning all 49 of his professional fights. Marciano dies in a plane crash in 1969 aged 46.
1899
British singer/actress
Violet Carson who becomes famous for her television portrayal of 'Ena Sharples' in the long-running TV soap opera 'Coronation Street'.
1875
American author
Edgar Rice Burroughs, the creator of
Tarzan, is born in Chicago. In 1914, he publishes his first 'Tarzan' book 'Tarzan Of The Apes' It's believed that throughout his life,
Edgar Rice Burroughs never once sets foot in Africa where most of his stories are set. Dies in 1950 aged 75.
1866
American boxer 'Gentleman' Jim Corbett born in San Francisco. Becomes world heavyweight champion in 1892 and loses his title to Bob Fitzsimmons in 1897. Dies in 1933 aged 67.1864
Irish
patriot and British official Sir Roger Casement, born in County Dublin. Knighted in 1911 for exposing the exploitation of rubber planatation workers in South America while British consul-general in
Brazil, he joins the
Irish Volunteers in 1913. At the outbreak of
World War I travels to
Berlin to persuade
Germany to back Irish idependence. Is arrested landing in Ireland from a
German submarine in 1916 attempting to head a Sein Fein rebellion.Is found guilty of
treason and hanged.
1854
German composer Engelbert Humperdinck is born near Bonn. Famousworks include the musical
fairy play 'Hansel and Gretel' (1893).
1998
Vere Harmsworth, Viscount Rothermere, aged 73 - proprietor of the English daily newspapers the 'Daily Mail', the 'Mail on Sunday' and the 'London Evening Standard'.1912
English composer
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor aged 37. Works include 'Hiawatha' (1900).
1715
King
Louis XIV of
France, the 'Sun King', dies at Versailles after reigning for 72 years - the longest reign in European history. Came to the throne in 1643 - aged 5. Married
Maria Theresa of
Spain - daughter of King Phillip IV of Spain in 1660. His reign was notable for promoting French artistic and architectural achievement and European expansionism after modernising and increasing the size and power of the French Navy and French Army.
