ON THIS DAY

1836: The first 42 migrants to South Australia arrive at Kangaroo Island aboard Duke of York.

1909: Orville Wright tests the US Army’s first aeroplane for one hour, 12 minutes.

1949: The British De Havilland Comet, the first jet-propelled airliner, makes its maiden flight.

1954: Britain and Egypt agree on terms to end 72 years of British control of the Suez Canal.

1965: US planes carry out first attacks against anti-aircraft missile sites in North Vietnam.

1974: The House Judiciary Committee recommends the impeachment of US President Richard Nixon due to Watergate scandal.

2011: The Australian dollar hits a new 28-high, approaching US$1.11.

2012: The Olympic Games open in London. Birthdays: Australian cricketer Allan Border (1955-); Australian actor Julian McMahon (1968-); US baseball player Alex Rodriguez (1975-).