THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The German Main Headquarters reported: “Western Theatre of War – Army Group of Crown Prince Rupprecht – During the afternoon the artillery activity in Flanders, on the coast, and between Langemarck and Warneton increased to great intensity. In the Ypres bend minor engagements developed on the forefield of our positions, during which some British prisoners were taken. At night the enemy attacked north-west of Lens and temporarily broke into our line.”

50 years ago

Six strange egg-shaped objects, found yesterday in a line across the country, from the Isle of Sheppey to Clevedon in Somerset, emitting bleepings and looking like flying saucers, were made in Britain, not Mars, an engineering expert said last night. The objects, which appeared to made of fibre-glass, were found in various locations. After a policeman found one of the “saucers”, it was examined with X-ray equipment. Police had said they thought it could be a student hoax.

25 years ago

The nautical Princess Royal was out on the ocean wave with fellow yachting enthusiasts yesterday amid growing speculation that her engagement to Commander Tim Laurence is about to be officially announced. It was all too brief a trip on the briny as a vital piece of the yacht’s equipment failed, forcing her to withdraw from a race. It was a great disappointment for the princess, a keen sailor. Wellwishers got the briefest of waves and smiles when she arrived in a helicopter.

One year ago

A Fife community dubbed one of the most deprived in Scotland could be improved with access to rail services, claim campaigners. Statistics issued by the Scottish Government show that 23 of the 50 data zones across Levenmouth are ranked within the 20% most deprived communities in Scotland. Buckhaven is the worst-off area in Fife, according to the figures. Members of Levenmouth Rail Campaign said that the rankings for the Cowdenbeath area had improved in the rankings.