ON THIS DAY

1606:

England adopts as its flag the original version of the Union Jack, which combines the crosses of St George of England and St Andrew of Scotland.

US Civil War starts as Confederates fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina.

Bill Haley and his Comets record breakthrough rock and roll song Rock Around the Clock.

Release of Mad Max, directed by George Miller and starring Mel Gibson.

A federal ” no jab, no pay” plan is announced under which parents who refuse to have their children vaccinated will not receive childcare and welfare benefits.

Herbie Hancock, US jazz musician (1940-); David Cassidy, US actor-singer (19502017); Magda Szubanski, Australian comedian (1961-).

1861: 1954: 1979: 2015: Birthdays: