Rain, snow and driving sleet hit the British capital 125 years ago, though a program offering poor children a hamper of holiday foods was a bright spot.
Author: THE INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE
1945: Britain Asks for Whiskey to Ensure ‘Merry, Merry Christmas’
For the first peacetime Christmas after World War II, a British newspaper called for whiskey usually exported to America to be kept aside to boost people’s spirits at home.
1945: Strike Paralyzes Argentina
A 24-hour walkout backed by the government to show support for Col. Juan D. Peron brought the country to a standstill.
1895: French Hero Refuses Reward for Saving Lives
A man over the age of 60 was said to have saved more than 100 people from drowning. “I did my duty,” he said.
1970: Lovesick Japanese Man Hijacks Plane With Toy Gun
An apprentice cook, claiming he wanted to die after an affair went awry, was apprehended by the police after forcing the passenger jet to land. No one was injured.
1920: Police Retaliate After Killings in Ireland
The town of Tuam was ransacked by the police, with buildings looted and set alight, in response to the shooting of two officers.
1945: The Battle of Okinawa Ends
After 82 days of fighting, the U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander said Japanese resistance had been defeated on the island of Okinawa.
1945: Britain and U.S. Propose Meeting With Russia
Following victory in Europe, diplomats in Moscow suggested to Stalin that the “Big Three” powers meet in London.
1970: Jet’s Engine Explodes, Injuring 23
A Scandinavian Airlines jet with 75 people aboard caught fire and burned when an engine exploded during takeoff.
1920: Britain, Italy and Japan Recognized Soviet Russia
Before peace talks, the French prime minister was faced with three countries agreeing to recognize the Soviet government in Russia.