1998
In response to India’s recent nuclear tests (see 11th May), Pakistan explodes 5 underground nuclear devices. The USA, Japan, and other.
Pakistan
1998
Death of Phil Hartman, American comic actor (‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘NewsRadio’), shot by his wife who then killed herself.
United States
1984
Death of Eric Morecambe, British comedian (Morecambe and Wise)
Great Britain
1984
US President Ronald Reagan led a Memorial Day state funeral at Arlington National Cemetery for an unknown US serviceman killed in Vietnam
United States
1972
Duke of Windsor (ex-King Edward VIII) dies in Paris
Great Britain
1959
The USA launched two monkeys (Able and Baker) into space. They were the first living creatures to be successfully recovered after a trip into space
United States
1951
First Goon Show broadcast
Great Britain
1937
Neville Chamberlain becomes Prime Minister – policy of appeasement towards Hitler
Great Britain
1934
The first Glyndebourne opera festival was held, in East Sussex, UK
Great Britain
1918
Armenia and Azerbaijan declared their independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic.
1908
Birth of Ian Fleming, British novelist, creator of ‘James Bond’ .
Great Britain
1895
Oscar Wilde sent to prison
Ireland
1759
Birth of William Pitt, the younger, British Prime Minister (17831801 and 18041806)
Great Britain
1742
The first indoor swimming pool opened at the Bagnio, Lemon Street, London. It was 43 feet long.
Great Britain
1503
Marriage of King James IV of Scots and Margaret Tudor
Great Britain