You don't have Javascript enabled. To view this site requires Javascript to be enabled.
MjIxMi0tLTU1NC0tLTE=.jpg
If you can't access speech audio, click here to get Real Player
sponsored by peru

18th September

262---Image_large

1961: Hammarskjöld dies in plane crash


Renowned secretary-general of the United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld dies in a plane crash on this day. Hammarskjöld, the son of a former Swedish prime minister, was elected to the top U.N. post in 1953 and in 1957 was unanimously re-elected. During his second term, he initiated and directed the United Nation's vigorous role in the Belgian Congo, which included the deployment of peacekeeping troops in 1960. He was on his fourth mission to the central African country when his plane crashed in Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia. An influential force for peace at the United Nations and around the world, he was posthumously awarded the 1961 Nobel Peace Prize.

1997

By a slim majority among those who voted - a majority of less than 7,000 - a referendum in Wales says 'Yes' to devolution and the creation of the country's own parliamentary assembly.

1997

In Britain, a controversial portrait of Moors murderer Myra Hindley at the Royal Academy in London is damaged by protesters.

1981

France abolishes execution by guillotine - used for more than 200 years to behead those sentenced to death.

1976

For 3 minutes a fifth of the world's popuplation - 8,000 million Chinese - stand in silent tribute at the beginning of a memorial service for their dead leader Mao Tse-Tung.

1975

In America, the FBI capture former hostage-turned-terrorist supporter Patty Hearst .

1949

British Chancellor of the Exchequer Sir Stafford Cripps announces a 30 per cent devaluation of the pound from 4.03 dollars to 2.80 dollars.

1948

The start of the 'Berlin Airlift' - when British and American planes defy a 3-month Russian blockade and begin ferrying thousands of tonnes of food supplies and petrol into West Berlin.

1914

In Britain, an Irish Home Rule Bill is given the Royal Assent.

1906

A major typhoon hits Hong Kong killing around 10,000 people.

1851

Publication of the first edition of the New York Times.

1810

A revolt in Chile, in South America, brings independence from Spain.

1905

American film actress Greta Garbo is born in Stockholm, Sweden - real name Greta Lovisa Gustafsson. Her major films include 'Queen Christina' (1933); 'Anna Karenina' (1935) and 'Camille' (1936). Retires from acting in 1941 -allegedly after a poor review of her latest film - and becames a celebrated recluse; even refusing to accept in person an honorary Academy Award in 1955 for her 'unforgetable screen performances'. Lives in seclusion in New York until her death in 1990 aged 85.

1709

English writer and lexicographer Dr Samuel Johnson born in Lichfield, Staffordshire - the son of a bookseller. Produces the first detailed Dictionary of the English Language in 1755 after working on it for almost 8 years. Completes several major works on Shakespeare and other English poets and playwrights. Is awarded an Honorary Degree at Oxford. Dies in 1784 aged 75 and buried in Westminster Abbey.

1970

Rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix dies in an ambulance on the way to hospital, apparently suffering from a drug overdose and alcohol abuse.Born in a poor black neighbourhood in Seattle, Washington, he taught himself to play the guitar and became one of the most influential musicians of the late 1960s. His career took off after he moved to Britain in 1966 and formed the 'Jimi Hendrix Experience'. The success of their first record 'Hey Joe' led to several internationally-acclaimed albums.