United Kingdom: The Goon Show is Broadcast for the First Time
On this day in 1951, radio comedy programme The Goon Show was broadcast for the first time on the BBC. The programme starred Michael Bentine, Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers. The first series was called ‘Crazy People,’ before returning under the title ‘The Goon Show’ in 1952. The show ran from 1951 to 1960.
The following videos make up The Goon Show episode known as ‘The Jet-Propelled Guided NAAFI’ Enjoy this trip down memory lane.
The Indian Massacre of 1622 in Jamestown, Virginia
On this day in 1622, Indians of the Powhatan Confederacy carried out what was known as the Indian Massacre of 1622. A quarter of the English population were wiped out by the Indians who carried out a series of raids along the James River in Virginia.
On this day in 1855, Alexander II Nikolaevich, became the Tzar of Russia. Alexander II was born in Moscow on the 29th April 1818 and died (assassinated) in Saint Petersburg on the 13th March 1881. His reign was ended in a series of bomb blasts that assassinated the Tsar, an assassination that followed a number of failed attempts in previous years.
New Zealand: Christchurch – Major Earthquake Kills 185 People
On this day in 2011, the second in a series of major earthquakes strikes Christchurch in New Zealand. 185 people were killed in the 6.3 quake and the historic city of Christchurch was changed forever. On the first anniversary of the earthquake the city of Christchurch is still coming to terms with what the future now holds for the devastated city.
History for Today 