ON THIS DAY

1763:

Dr Johnson and James Boswell met for the first time at Tom Davie’s bookshop in Russell Street, London.

1770:

The Dauphin of France (later Louis XVI) married Marie Antoinette. 1888:

Emile Berliner gave the first demonstration of flat disc recording and reproduction before members of the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia.

1919:

Pianist and entertainer (Wladziu Valentino) Liberace was born in Wisconsin. His father wanted him to be an undertaker.

1929:

The first Academy Awards ceremony was held in Hollywood – the name Oscar was not used for another few years. Emil Jannings was the first Best Actor and Janet

Gaynor Best Actress.

1943:

The Mohne, Eder and Sorpe Dams in Germany were attacked by 19 Lancaster bombers of 617 Squadron, led by Guy Gibson, using the “bouncing bombs” invented by Dr Barnes Wallis.

Jim Laker 1956:

Jim Laker, playing for Surrey, took all 10 Australian wickets for 88 in 46 overs at the Oval. A month later, playing for England, he took 19 wickets in the Test match against Australia at Old Trafford.

1983: 1991: 2007: ON THIS DAY LAST YEAR:

London police began wheel clamping illegally parked vehicles.

Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to address the US Congress.

Nicolas Sarkozy took office as President of France.

The largest cruise ship built for the UK market – with capacity for 5,200 passengers – arrived in Southampton ahead of its naming ceremony.

BIRTHDAYS:

Judy Finnigan, TV presenter/columnist, 74; Christian Lacroix, fashion designer, 71; Pierce Brosnan, actor, 69; Olga Korbut, former gymnast, 67; Hazel O’connor, singer and actress, 67; Debra Winger, actress, 67; Janet Jackson, soul singer, 56; Gabriela Sabatini, former tennis player, 52; Tori Spelling, actress, 49.