ON THIS DAY

1865:

Confederate General Robert E Lee capitulates to Union General Ulysses S Grant, ending US Civil War.

German forces invade Norway and Denmark in World War II.

NASA announces the selection of the first seven US astronauts: Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard and Donald Slayton.

Paul McCartney seeks a High Court writ to wind up the Beatles business partnership, effectively ending the group’s career.

Wayne Gardner wins inaugural Australian 500cc motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island, Victoria.

1940: 1959: 1970: 1989: Birthdays:

Sir Robert Helpmann, Australian ballet dancer and actor (1909-1986); Hugh Hefner, US publisher (1926-2017); Seve Ballesteros, Spanish golfer (1957-2011).