THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

South east and east of Peronne our troops have advanced rapidly during the past 24 hours and have reached points some 10 miles to the east of the River Somme. We have occupied a further 40 villages in this area. Between Nurlu and Arras the enemy is beginning to develop considerable resistance at a number of places. Nevertheless his rearguards are being steadily driven from thier positions and our progress continues. We carried out successful raids during the night east of Arras.

50 years ago

The Ford Motor Company have challenged a claim by the Union-Castle Line that, after air travel, the mailship service is the fastest way to get to South Africa. Ford will match a Corsair 2000E car against the ship Windsor Castle (37,647 tons) from Capetown to Southampoton in May. Car and ship will leave Capetown at 4pm on May 10. The record for the Corsair’s route, from Rhodesia, through Africa, Marseilles, Calais and Lydd is 13 days while Windsor Castle’s voyage will take 11 and a half days.

25 years ago

Earl Spencer, the father of the Princess of Wales, has been admitted to a London hospital suffering from mild pneumonia. The earl, who is 68, is undergoing tests at hospital in St John’s Wood. He suffered a brain haemorrhage in 1978 but touched the hearts of the nation when he appeared weak and unsteady on his feet as he continued his recovery during his daughter’s marriage to the Prince of Wales in 1981. His second wife Raine, was said to be with him as he underwent tests.

One year ago

One of the largest construction projects in Perth city centre for a number of years – the restoration and redevelopment of Perth Theatre – took a major step forward yesterday. Project contractors Robertson Construction Tayside arrived on site to start work on stripping out existing buildings and preparing to demolish sections to make way for the new extension. At the heart of the £16.6 million project is the B-listed Edwardian auditorium that will be restored to its former glory.