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21st September

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1954: Atomic sub Nautilus


The USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered vessel, is commissioned by the United States Navy. The 325-foot sub, designed by Russian-born American engineer Hyman George Rickover, could remain submerged for almost unlimited periods because its atomic engine needed no air. It could also fire missiles at enemy targets on land or sea from its submerged position. With a speed of over 20 knots, the sub could move faster under water than most vessels could travel on the surface. In 1958, the Nautilus made the first undersea crossing of the North Pole.

1998

TV networks in America broadcast President Clinton's testimony (given on August 21,1998) explaining his involvement with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

1981

Belize, originally called British Honduras, gains its independence .

1965

Oil company British Petroleum annouces an oil find in the North Sea.

1964

Malta gains its independence.

1962

First transmission on British TV of the quiz programme 'University Challenge' hosted by Bamber Gascoigne.

1915

Stonehenge, in England is bought at auction by Mr C.H.Chubb for £6,600. He presents the site, containing large ancient stone circles, to the nation in 1918.

1898

In China, Tzu-hsi, Dowager Empress of China, seizes power

1792

During the French Revolution, the country abolishes the monarchy and declares itself to be a Republic.

1745

Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Stuart) and his Jacobite army defeat the English at the Battle of Prestonpans.

1327

King Edward II of England is killed with a red hot poker in the dungeon of Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire, to ensure his son Edward III could succeed to the throne.

1931

American actor Larry Hagman. Film actor in 1960s and 1970s but comes best-known through several TV series including 'Dallas' playing the ruthless Texan oilman 'JR Ewing'.

1923

English entertainer Jimmy Young.

1909

Ghanaian leader Kwame Nkrumah born in the Gold Coast (now Ghana). An active campaigner for independence, he is imprisoned by the British and elected to Parliament while still in jail. In 1957 is appointed the first Prime Minister of the independent Commonwealth State of Ghana which becomes an independent republic in 1960. Overthrown by a military coup in 1966 while visiting China.

1901

West Indian Test cricketer Sir Learie Constantine.

1874

Composer Gustav Holst born in England of Swedish origin.

1866

English writer and historian Herbert George (H.G) Wells born at Bromley in Kent. Becomes famous as a science-fiction novelist with 'The Time Machine' (1895); 'The Invisible Man' (1897); 'The War of the Worlds' (1898) and 'The First Men in the Moon' (1901). Dies in 1946 aged 80.

1832

Scottish novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott. A prolific writer of ballads, poems and novels - many set in Scotland . Best remembered for two historial novels: 'Ivanhoe' -the story of a knight in medieval England (1820) and 'Rob Roy' (1817).