TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT August 19, 1942

During World War II, about 6,000 Canadian and British soldiers launched a disastrous raid against the Germans at Dieppe, France, suffering more than 50-percent casualties. ALSO ON THIS DATE

1812

The USS Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere off Nova Scotia during the War of 1812, earning the nickname “Old Ironsides.”

1814

During the War of 1812, British forces landed at Benedict, Maryland, with the objective of capturing Washington D.C.

1918

“Yip! Yip! Yaphank,” a musical revue by Irving Berlin featuring Army recruits from Camp Upton in Yaphank, New York, opened on Broadway.

1934

A plebiscite in Germany approved the vesting of sole executive power in Adolf Hitler.

1936

The first of a series of show trials orchestrated by Soviet leader Josef Stalin began in Moscow as 16 defendants faced charges of conspiring against the government.

1955

Torrential rains caused by Hurricane Diane resulted in severe flooding in the northeastern U.S., claiming some 200 lives.

1964

The Beatles opened their first full-fledged U.S. tour as they performed at San Francisco’s Cow Palace.