ON THIS day

1997

1512

French troops defeat Spanish and Papal forces at the Battle of Ravenna, with the death total passing 12,000. Despite this, France fails in its aim to dominate Italy. 1713

In the Peace of Utrecht, France cedes Gibraltar and Newfoundland to Britain. 1814

At Fontainebleau, Napoleon Bonaparte, facing an invasion of France and pressed by his own officers, abdicates unconditionally. 1815

Mount Tambora, a volcano on the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia, erupts, killing about 10,000 people. 1834

John Macarthur, father of Australia’s wool industry, dies aged about 67 while suffering a depressive illness after being officially ”pronounced a lunatic” and removed from the Legislative Council.

1848

Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria confirms laws which formed the foundation of Hungary. 1895

Cuban patriot Jose Julian Marti lands in Cuba, heading an invading force aiming to win independence. 1917

The 4th Australian Division and 62nd English Division try in vain to penetrate the Hindenburg line in the first battle of Bullecourt. 1921

Aviator Bert Hinkler betters his own longdistance non-stop record of 1046km, set in 1920, when he flies 1130km from Sydney to Bundaberg.

1945

US troops entering Buchenwald concentration camp are shocked at the signs of suffering. German guards had already fled.

1979

Ugandan President Idi Amin flees the country as Tanzanian-led forces near Kampala.

1982

Dick Smith recreates Bert Hinkler’s 1921 Bundaberg solo flight record. 1997

Police stand guard as Pauline Hanson launches a new political party, One Nation, in Ipswich. 2001

The Socceroos set a World Cup scoring record, defeating American Samoa 31-0 in a qualifying match in Coffs Harbour.