1896 St Petersburg, History: Nicholas II was crowned Tsar of all the Russians. He proved to be the last Tsar, though today his likeness is seen far and wide in Russia while Lenin has disappeared down the Memory Hole.
1908 Masjed (Persia), Technology: The first commercial oil strike in the Middle East was made by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. Thus began the role of the region in the oil business. Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian made his fortune there and we enjoyed some of the spoils at the museum he endowed in Lisbon.
1940 Dunkirk, War: This was the first day of Operation Dynamo. Usually I do not include war but this is an exception.
1959 Milwaukee, Sports: Baseball journeyman Harvey Haddix transcended himself and the game when pitched twelve perfect innings only to lose in the thirteenth. It is longest stretch of perfect pitching in a single game ever. The more noteworthy for being against the Milwaukee Braves with the bats of Henry Aaron and Ed Mathews in the lineup along with Mr ‘On-Base’ Bill Bruton. It is a unique sporting achievement.
2000 Columbo, Literature: Science Fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke was knighted for services to literature. Read many of his novels and stories long before HAL came along.
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