ON THIS DAY

1777:

US Congress adopts the Stars and Stripes as the nation’s official flag.

Tasmania becomes a separate colony. Train service between Sydney and Melbourne begins.

The Swastika is hoisted on the Eiffel Tower as the German army occupies Paris.

The first electronic computer for commercial use is demonstrated at the Bureau of the Census in Philadelphia.

A 1939 comic book featuring the first appearance by Batman is auctioned for $US68,500 ($A116,000) in New York.

At least 72 people are killed in the Grenfell Tower fire after the 24-storey block of London flats went up in flames.

Boy George, English pop singer (1961); Grant Kenny, Australian iron man (1963-); Steffi Graf, German tennis star (1969-).

1825: 1883: 1940: 1951: 1997: 2017: Birthdays: