THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The Italian official communique issued last night says: “In the Val Daone (Chiese), after a stiff climb in a heavy storm, parties of Alpini troops attacked two enemy advanced posts, and succeeded in defeating the garrison after a lively struggle. The 24 survivors were captured. At Susimol (Asiago Plateau) a French patrol made a dash, penetrating into the enemy line where they engaged the enemy in lively hand-to-hand fighting, taking 32 prisoners and one machine gun.”

50 years ago

The United States Olympic Committee has given athletes John Carlos and Tommie Smith 48 hours to leave Mexico. Press officer Bob Paul said that the US State Department revoked credentials of the two athletes, who would be required to leave the country. Mr Paul said that the two negroes would have to appear before a US Olympic Committee tribunal to determine whether they were involved in the organisation or planning of any Black Power demonstrations at the Olympics.

25 years ago

Rosyth and Devonport Royal Dockyards are to be sold off to the private sector, Defence Secretary Malcolm Rifkind announced last night. Companies will be invited to submit bids early next year for the sale of both yards. The move follows the award of the £5.5 billion Trident submarine refitting contract to Devonport in July and the “allocation” of 18 major warship refits to Rosyth. There has been widespread criticism of a lack of guarantees about the Rosyth work.

One year ago

One of Europe’s largest brownfield sites could be transformed into an energy-producing powerhouse, bringing more than 2,500 jobs to central Fife. Durham-based Hargreaves Services’ ambitious plans to breathe new life into the former Westfield opencast coal mine come before Fife councillors next week. Officers have recommended the application for planning permission in principle for the 420-hectare site near Loch Leven be approved. There have been 25 objections to the plans.