TODAY: Friday January 28, 2022 ON THIS DAY

55 years ago (1967)

We reported the tragic deaths of Apollo 1 astronauts Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Edward White and Roger Chaffee after their command module caught fire during preparations for the first crewed Moon test flight.

The blaze began in the electrical system, before spreading to the oxygen supply. Grissom was the second American to fly into space, while White was the first US astronaut to walk in space.

69 years ago (1953)

Derek Bentley, 19, who had learning difficulties, was hanged for his part in the murder of PC Sidney Miles during a bungled robbery at a warehouse in Croydon, south London.

Bentley’s execution led to a lifelong campaign by his family to clear his name.

His conviction was overturned in 1998.

40 years ago (1982)

Police in Padua, Italy rescued US Brigadier General James Dozier who had been held captive by the communist guerrilla group Red Brigade for 42 days.

The deputy chief of staff at Nato’s Southern European headquarters was seized from his flat in Verona by terrorists posing as plumbers.