1982: Massacres at Sabra and Shatila
Hours after the Israeli forces enter West Beirut,
Phalangist militiamen begin a massacre of Palestinians at the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. Within two days, 1,000 men, women, and children were dead. The Phalangists, a
Christian faction in
Lebanon, were closely allied with
Israel. After entering West Beirut, Israeli commanders ordered the Phalangists into the refugee camps in search of terrorists, even though the militiamen were known to be enraged at the Palestinians for the recent murder of their leader. Israel later condemned the massacre and denied any responsibility. On September 29, a
United Nations peacekeeping force returned to Lebanon to prevent more bloodshed.
1998
The famous Union Jack dress, worn by Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, is sold at auction for £41,000.1995
The Pope is met by Nelson Mandela when he arrives in Johannesburg at the start of South Africa's first papal visit.1989
One of Britain's oldest and most prestigious classic horse races, the St Leger at Doncaster, is cancelled because the course is considered unsafe.1981
Two British political parties - the
SDP and the Liberals -
vote for a parliamentary and election alliance.
1976
The Episcopal Church in the United States approves the
ordination of women to the priesthood.
1968
Britain introduces a 'two tier' postal system - First and Second Class. Letters and parcels bearing the more expensive 1st class stamps are given priority of delivery.1963
Malaysia gains its independence. In
Singapore, crowds celebrate by burning down the British Embassy.
1920
At least 30 people are killed and a further 200 injured when a bomb explodes on
Wall Street, New York.
1850
In America, the Slave Trade is forbidden in the District of Columbia. 1847
The United Shakespeare Company buys the house in which playwright
William Shakespeare was born at Stratford Upon Avon in Warwickshire for £3,000. It becomes the first building in
Britain to be officially preserved.
1838
In England, the opening of the London to Birmingham
railway line.
1810
Revolt in Mexico demanding independence from
Spain. 1927
American
actor Peter Falk . Stage and film actor who becomes best-known as the scruffy detective in the hit TV series, 'Columbo' during the 1970s and 1980's.
1924
American actress Lauren Bacall is born Betty Perske in New York city. In the 1940s she's launched as a cinema sex symbol in 'To Have And Have Not', marries her co-star, Humphrey Bogart in 1945. 1891
Karl Donitz: Commander of the
German U-Boat fleet at the start of
World War II. Appointed Commander in Chief of the German Navy from 1943-1945. Briefly became Fuhrer after the death of Adolf
Hitler in 1945 and was responsible for the final surrender to
the Allies. Sentenced to 10 years in prison for war crimes. Dies in 1980.
1387
King
Henry V of England is born at Monmouth Castle in Wales. Crowned King in 1413. Claims the French Crown ( believing he has a right to the claim) and invades
France. Defeats superior French forces at the Battle of Agincourt, 1415. Conquers Normandy in 1420 and marries the daughter of King
Charles VI of France who names him as his successor. Is taken ill and dies in 1422.
