THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

On Saturday low clouds and rain considerably interfered with flying operations, but some valuable reconnaissance and photographic work was accomplished. Our machines, working in conjunction with our artillery, reported many targets to them, of which they took full advantge, and under the accurate observation thus afforded caused considerable damage to hostile gun positions, active batteries, transport and troops. There was very little activity on the part of the enemy’s aircraft.

50 years ago

Princess Grace of Monaco, who took part with her husband, Prince Rainier, in the London to Brighton veteran car rally, said later with a smile that she “cheated a little bit.” Wearing a brown trouser suit with a fur-line hat and swathed in blankets, Princess Grace set off from Hyde Park with the Prince in his 1903 De Dion Bouton to cheers from the crowd. But the cold was too much for her. She left the car at Coulsdon, Surrey and rode to the outskirts of Brighton in a 3.5-litre Rover, then rejoined her husband.

25 years ago

Fears of further job losses at the Michelin plant in Dundee were raised yesterday as the company confirmed it is carrying out a “reassessment of employment levels” throughout its UK operations. More than 1,000 people work for the multi-national tyre manufacturer at its Baldovie plant, making it one of the city’s most significant employers. Earlier this year 70 staff were cut from the payroll as part of a productivity drive. Any major redundancies would be a bitter blow for Dundee.

One year ago

Houses shook as a car dramatically exploded into flames in Kirkcaldy yesterday. Brave locals pulled a man from his burning car as the huge blaze engulfed the vehicle. He was treated at the scene by paramedics but remarkably escaped serious injury during the lunchtime emergency. People in neighbouring homes in Macindoe Crescent described the blast as being like an earthquake amid unconfirmed reports it was caused by an exploding gas cylinder in the car.