TODAY IN HISTORY

1609

Spain’s Philip III orders deportation of Moriscos (Christians of Moorish ancestry).

1776

American revolutionary officer Nathan Hale, 21, is hanged as a spy by the British. His last words are: “My only regret is that I have but one life to lose for my country.’’

1828

Shaka, founder of the Zulu empire, who built a vicious army, is murdered by his half-brothers. He had gone insane after his mother died.

1914

One U-9 German submarine sinks three British cruisers, killing 1500. The demise of HMS Aboukir, Hogue and Cressy reveals the potency of the submarine.

1933

Australian (Cricket) Board of Control cables the MCC asking for bodyline bowling to be stopped.

1940

Jean Decoux, Vichy French governorgeneral of Indo-China, concludes an agreement with Japan that permits stationing of 30,000 Japanese troops in Indo-China.

1964

The musical Fiddler On The Roof, starring Zero Mostel, opened on Broadway, beginning a run of 3242 performances 1966

All 24 on board die when an AnsettANA Viscount crashes near Winton, Qld. Metal fatigue caused a fire which engulfed an engine.

1974

Psychopathic brothel owner Stewart John Regan, whose associates kept disappearing, dies in a hail of bullets from three gunmen in Marrickville. His killers are not caught. 1996

Darwin resident Bob Dent, assisted by pro-euthanasia doctor Philip Nitschke, becomes the first person in the world to die using euthanasia legislation.