ON THIS DAY

● 1880: Cologne Cathedral was completed, having been started in 1248.

● 1945: Japan surrendered unconditionally to the Allies. VJ Day was officially celebrated on the following day, August 15.

● 1948: Don Bradman played his last innings at The Oval. After a standing ovation, he was bowled for a duck – blinded, it is said, by tears in his eyes.

● 1967: The Marine Broadcasting Act came into force after midnight, outlawing pop pirate radio stations broadcasting within British territorial waters.

● 1969: British troops were deployed in Northern Ireland to restore order.

● 1975: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the longest-running release in film history, opened at the USA Theatre in Westwood, Los Angeles, California. ● 1979: The longest lasting rainbow on record shone over North Wales from the coast of Gwynedd to Clwyd, remaining for more than three hours.

● 2010: Summer Youth Olympic Games - the first ever Youth Olympics, officially started in Singapore.

● 2013: Egypt declared a state of emergency after security forces killed hundreds of demonstrators supporting the former president Mohamed Morsi.

● LAST YEAR: Mixing energy drinks with alcohol could worsen the negative effects of bingedrinking, according to research published on this day.

● BIRTHDAYS: Frederic Raphael, novelist, 88; David Crosby, rock singer, 78; Steve Martin, comedian/actor, 74; Danielle Steel, writer, 72; Gillian Taylforth, actress, 64; Marcia Gay Harden, actress, 60.