THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The greatest enthusiasm prevails in Italy over the announcement that shortly the colours of several Italian regiments will float side by side with those of the Allied troops in France. Signor Orlando, in the course of a speech in the Chamber of Deputies, declared that the Italian army was the right wing of the united army. Many officers and men are asking to be incorporated in the regiments to be sent to France. Yesterday was particularly devoid of infantry activity on the battlefields of the Lys.

50 years ago

Mr John McWilliam, county convener of Fife, told the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board in Dundee the increase in traffic over the bridge during February and March proved that, once a facility like this was provided, it generated traffic. This was a maxim which should be emphasised to the Government. There should be a sound roads programme and the traffic increase was an added reason why there should be a Fife regional road. During February 162,768 vehicles crossed the bridge.

25 years ago

Eighty-six people – including an estimated 25 children – were last night feared dead after Texas doomsday cult leader David Koresh apparently ordered a “mass suicide” by fire to cheat US lawmen besieging his Waco stronghold. The FBI said only nine survivors – among them two Britons – had emerged from the inferno in which an estimated 95 devotees of the Branch Davidian sect were believed to be holed up. Twenty-four Britons are thought to have perished inside the complex.

One year ago

Council chiefs are taking action to evict a fleet of Travellers from a multi-million-pound development site at Inveralmond. About a dozen caravans have set up base at the park on the outskirts of Perth. The council confirmed it is preparing to serve notice on the camp, giving them 24 hours to get off the site. The move came as it emerged plans to establish a new, authorised site for visiting Travellers have been quietly killed off. The local authority confirmed it was no longer looking for a dedicated site.