ON THIS DAY

1370

Construction begins on the Bastille, the medieval fortress that came to symbolise French despotism, on the orders of Charles V of France as a defence against English forces.

1823

Rollerskates are patented by Robert John Tyers, a fruiterer in London.

1842

Irish-born John Lynch, 29, one of Australia’s worst serial killers with at least nine victims, is hanged at Berrima Jail.

1915

The second battle of Ypres begins when Kaiser Wilhelm’s German troops release clouds of deadly chlorine gas on Allied troops. It is the first major gas attack of World War I.

1931

The Government Savings Bank of NSW closes after large crowds flock to its Martin Place head office to withdraw deposits. State cabinet agrees for the Commonwealth Savings Bank to absorb it.

1982

Suspended deputy police commissioner Bill Allen retires in disgrace as a sergeant first class after a Police Tribunal report on his overseas trips, association with Sydney businessman Abe Saffron and claims by Sgt Warren Molloy that Allen offered him cash to compromise him.

2000

Armed US immigration agents seize Cuban boat boy Elian Gonzalez from his relatives’ home in Miami. He is reunited with his father at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington.

2020

Four Victorian police die when a truck smashes into them in an emergency stopping lane on a motorway. It was the highest death toll for police in a single incident since Ned Kelly killed three officers at Stringybark Creek.