GibraltarMonthly
February:
1 Feb 1884 – A new Lunatic Asylum was opened in South District at Witham’s Garden; it has accommodation for 20 male and 10 female patients.
1 Feb 1915 - Heavy Easterly gale delivered 7 and 1/2" rain in 96 hours.
1 Feb 1920 – H.E. the Governor disbanded the Gibraltar Volunteer Corps, after placing his appreciation of their services on record officers were allowed to retain their honorary ranks.
1 Feb 2002 – Minister Ernest Britto pushed the button to start the new reverse osmosis desalination plant installed in the old MoD laundry at Governor’s Cottage Camp. The plant, operated by Lyonnaise des Eaux is located alongside the incinerator’s rising-film desalinator, which has never worked properly & has now been broken down for more than 2 years. The main contractor, Uni-Flow Services of Brough, Yorkshire, supplied equipment from Waterlink, Pure Water Division, of West Palm Beach, Florida.
2 Feb 1783 – (Gt. Siege) The Spanish crew of the afternoon truce-boat, which each day exchanged selected mail with the garrison, called out that hostilities were over, that Spain and Great Britain were friends once more; ‘Todos Amigos.’ Firing was suspended, but Eliott remained understandably cautious until three days later when he received formal news from the Duc de Crillon, that peace preliminaries had indeed been signed between Great Britain, Spain and France.
2 Feb 1807 - Certain discriminations against non-protestant traders were removed.
2 Feb 1885 – Cook J Watkinson was presented with the RHS Bronze Medal for lifesaving at Gibraltar. This was Case No. 22648.
2 Feb 1887 - Communication by submarine cable was established with Tangier. This was the first cable connection between Africa and Europe and was subsequently to be joined by two others one French and one Spanish, in 1903.
2 Feb 1901 – The funeral of her late Majesty Queen Victoria took place.
2 Feb 1924 – The unveiling of a Memorial Tablet from Gibraltarians resident in Argentina, by Governor Sir Charles Monro, took place today.
2 Feb 1934 – Abnormally cold weather was observed today. No official records are available as the instruments being out of order. There was a slight fall of snow at about 9.40pm, an unprecedented occurrence in Gibraltar and the neighbourhood.
2 Feb 2006 – Loreto Sisters, Presentation and Eucharia were presented with Papal Awards this evening at the Candlemass Service at the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned. Bishop Caruana presented the sisters with “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” medals and certificates in recognition of their long association with and service to the Gibraltar community. This is the first time the award will have been made locally in 20 years. Sister Presentation first arrived in Gibraltar in 1954 and Sister Eucharia in 1962; both have spent most of their lives serving this community.
3 Feb 1766 – Gibraltar nearly destroyed by a storm.
3 Feb 1904 - The Right Rev WE Collins arrived as Anglican Bishop of Gibraltar.
3 Feb 1924 – A collection of £203-13-0d was raised by a football match for dependents of those who lost their lives in submarine L24. (The boat was sunk with all hands after a collision with battleship Resolution during an exercise off Portland Bill).
3 Feb 1926 – A City Council Meeting carried a motion that HE the Governor should be asked to obtain from the Sec. of State for the Colonies, the sanction of reconstituting the Council with a majority being elected members. Governor Sir Charles Monro was not prepared to recommend the proposal to the Sec. of State.
3 Feb 1934 – HE the Governor, Gen. Sir CH Harington, accompanied by Captain Jones, ADC, visited the Garrison Library and the Gibraltar Chronicle printing and binding establishments.
4 Feb 1832 – The Cygnet, Lieut. Lester, Agent, arrived from Cork with ‘sundry detachments for the garrison,’ then left for Portsmouth on the 8th with various other detachments.
4 Feb 1885 - The Rev Narcissus Pallares, Vicar General and benefactor of the poor, was brutally murdered in sacristy of St Mary's by a man later to be described as a lunatic. (some say he was put up to it by the junta of elders).
4 Feb 1899 – Several persons killed and some injured by a tornado at Los Barrios.
4 Feb 1935 – A dinner party at Government House included guests; Admiral & Lady Kelly and Rear Admiral Bailey.
4 Feb 2002 – “A solid mass of people demonstrated in a calm and peaceful spirit in front of the Spanish frontier gates.” Quote from the Chronicle about today’s demo organised by the GSLP/Lib opposition alliance, against the handover-deal being struck by the F&CO and Spain. Between 2 and 6000 people took part (depending on whom you believe) like the two previous demos (Emilio Peirre’s & Charlie Benyunes’) the GSD government refused to support it.
4 Feb 2005 - The nuclear submarine HMS Sceptre arrived in port yesterday for repairs. The MoD once again caused upset locally by sharing the all the details with their friends and NATO allies Spain, but keeping Gibraltarians in the dark. In a repeat of the UK-eyes-only (oh and our Spanish friends) Tireless fiasco; when they told us that only external case and fin repairs were needed and yet their Spanish friends were given all the details of the repairs to the reactor cooling system, etc. The Spaniards are mounting protests, whilst we are left to consider the MoD’s underhanded conduct.
4 Feb 2005 – 899 Naval Air Squadron has been detached to Gibraltar for the last week. They brought 6x single seat aircraft and 2x twin seat trainers. They are completing the training of their last three FA2 Sea Harrier student pilots before the unit is decommissioned at the end of March this year. Mission training in air combat, air intercept, air to air gunnery and flying practice, is often disrupted by bad weather in UK at this time of year; hence the detachment to the Rock.
4 Feb 2011 – The new RAF Headquarters in Gibraltar was officially opened by the Chief of Joint Operations, Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach.
4 Feb 2013 – Mine Countermeasures vessel (MCM2) HMS Cattistock left UK for a four month deployment to Gibraltar. Whilst transiting Biscay in rough weather, her port engine suffered catastrophic failure, requiring (amongst other things) the port propeller shaft to be locked. The stationary propeller generated considerable drag, thus overloading the starboard engine. With some difficulty she managed to reach the Rock, where a replacement engine delivered by RAF C17 Globemaster and was installed and working over seven days. This compared well with the five days usually taken for an engine swap at her home base RNB Portsmouth.
5 Feb 1783 - The last shot of the Great Siege had been fired: Duc de Crillon's flag of truce was accepted from the 2nd Feb 1783, but the official end was only notified from UK on 10th Mar 1784 and Elliot and Duc de Crillon met at Forbes Barrier on 12th March 1784.
5 Feb 1832 - A slight earth tremor followed by another on 19th February.
5 Feb 1853 – A laden vessel the Miguel, English flag, was returning from the east, the wind blowing strong from that quarter. At between 7 & 8 am, off Europa Pt. close in shore, she was met by the Yluro, Spanish Guarda Costa, carrying 2x 12 pounders and a crew of around 35 hands. Notwithstanding the proximity to Europa, the Yluro fired a gun loaded with grape shot into the Miguel, killing one man. This was seen by the artillery guard who fired a warning shot at the Yluro to warn her off. The captain took notice and made away. This commander has never been in Gibraltar since, though later in the year he came to the races held outside the city, on the Spanish side. When he heard it was intended to try him for this offence, he made off immediately. It is said that not one of the smuggling boats is a match for the Yluro, they being open boats of between 4 and 6 tons.
5 Feb 1924 – A violent thunderstorm occurred, during which large numbers of workmen had to be employed to remove hailstones covering the streets etc. 1.68 inches was recorded in 24 hours.
5 Feb 1907 – HRH the Princess Royal arrived with the Duke of Fife and Princesses. Departing on 1st April for UK; they subsequently paid a longer visit 18 Dec 1907 to 30 Mar 1908.
5 Feb 1932 – A slight tremor from an earthquake was felt followed by another two weeks later on the 19th.
5 Feb 1936 – A Hawker Nimrod I, K2841, 801 Squadron, HMS Furious, stalled after take off and crashed into the sea en route from Gibraltar to Las Palmas. Sgt. James Edward Acock (24) was killed.
5 Feb 1940 – The 1,259 ton Norwegian steamer Silja left today with a cargo of salt carried from Trapani, Sicily, destined for Bergen, Norway. Five days later she was 75 miles off Cape Clear, Ireland, when at 2059 the German submarine U-37 launched a single torpedo at Silja, which broke the vessel in two. The stern part sank immediately and the fore part a few minutes later. There were no survivors of her fifteen man crew.
5 Feb 1985 - Spain was obliged to fully open the frontier gates as a pre-condition to their elevation to the EU; an institution they have methodically milked ever since. As a result, since the 1st Jan. 1986, they have done very nicely from EU funds, much of which has been diverted into private pockets, as is the norm in Spain. Interestingly, the first attempt at opening the gates was thwarted by the six inches of tarmac that had been laid on the Spanish side during the 13 year siege. Our gates had not been closed and remained open throughout.
5 Feb 2003 – A spectacular car crash at 5.25pm on the (ex) viaduct outside the water distiller resulted in the car overturned and the usual damage to public property. Of the four people in the car, two were sent to hospital for treatment. When the CFB, RGP and ambulance arrived on site the young driver was found sitting on the kerbside, drinking beer and giggling.
6 Feb 1863 - The death occurred in Malta of the first Bishop of Gibraltar.
6 Feb 1909 – Captain Edward F Qualtrough of
the US battleship Georgia
was tried at Court Marshal for intoxication at a reception on shore at Tangier
a few days ago. The charge was preferred by Rear Admiral Wainwright, commanding
the second division. The Court Marshal was heard on board one of the battleships
where the captain denied the charge, claiming fatigue, but the verdict was not
made public. The captain was however suspended from command of the ship and
placed in a reduced position on the promotion list. The findings were approved
by R/Admiral Sperry and the Executive Officer will be in command of Georgia for her voyage home.
6 Feb 1917 - Snow covered mountains in the vicinity of Gibraltar.
6 Feb 1929 - Seaplane No 2 of HMS Argus crashed in the bay; both officers lost their lives. Argus normally operated about 15 ‘planes through the twenties; a flight of Gloster Nightjars or Fairey Flycatchers and 2 Fairey floatplanes. This was a Fairy IIID, floatplane, S1023, 441 Flight, from HMS Argus, which dived into the bay. The officers were Flying Officer Richard Francis Bain Cecil (26) Lt. R.N. and Lt. Heathcote Andrew John Grant.
6 Feb 1929 – The death occurred of HM Maria Cristina, Queen Mother of Spain. A requiem mass was subsequently held at the Sacred Heart on 12th February.
6 Feb 1931 – A Combined Naval and Military Exercises was held where war conditions prevailed as far as possible.
6 Feb 1935 – Lady Patricia Ramsay (ex-Princess Patricia of Connaught) arrived to stay at Government House. A granddaughter of Queen Victoria, Patsy, surrendered her title to marry Captain (later Admiral) the Hon. Alexander Ramsay. She was a talented and prolific water-colourist.
6 Feb 1936 - Jubilee Stamps were sold at the Gibraltar Post Office; some 604,289 x 2d; 173,358 x 3d; 69,127 x 6d and 55,099 x 1/-.
6 Feb 1952 – Today marked Queen Elizabeth II’s Accession to throne.
6 Feb 1980 – Sir Joshua
Hassan was returned for a third successive term as Chief Minister. Sir Joshua’s
Party, AACR, won eight of the fifteen seats against six won by the Democratic
Party for British Gibraltar, the main opposition group. Both parties want Gibraltar to retain its British links. A fiery trade
union leader, Joe Bossano, won the one remaining seat for the GSLP. The three
candidates from the Party for the Autonomy of Gibraltar (PAG) which favours
negotiations and reconciliation with Spain, failed to win election. The
defeat of the PAG was seen by local politicians as a clear signal to both Spain and Britain
that Gibraltar is in no mood to support any
negotiations involving a change in British sovereignty. Reuters.
7 Feb 1885 – The Bland steamer Gibel Tarik made her first trip to Tangier.
7 Feb 1911 – Gibraltar’s first Catholic Bishop (Dr Thompson) arrives.
7 Feb 1912 – The Elizabeth Llewelyn, on a voyage from Gibraltar to St Ubes (Setubal) in ballast, ran aground and was wrecked near the Pearl Rock. She was a three masted Western Ocean Yacht, built by David Jones and David Williams, at Porthmadog in 1904.
7 Feb 1923 - Rear Admiral W M Ellerton assumed the duties of Senior Naval Officer vice Admiral Sir H B Pelly.
7 Feb 1925 – The capture of Raisuli, (Mulai Ahmed er Raisuni: The Lion of the Rif) who died in captivity shortly afterwards.
7 Feb 2006 – The La Linea court has issued a warrant for the arrest of the Odyssey Explorer and her crew. (an: orden de busqueda y captura) The lawyers for the Odyssey Explorer refused and made it clear that “neither the ship nor the master of the vessel fall within the jurisdiction of the authorities that delivered the request.” The Spanish government has already said in an official statement by their Foreign Ministry that, as far as they are concerned, Gibraltar does not have any territorial waters at all, other than waters inside the port which were ceded under the Treaty of Utrecht. As usual they are wrong; we have an internationally agreed 3 mile exclusive zone and the ability to claim an additional 9 miles to bring us in line with international standard practice. Perhaps it’s time we did.
8 Feb 1705 - Marshal Lesse arrived at the camp before Gibraltar; much good it did him.
8 Feb 1832 – The Stentor, Lieut. Barber, Agent, arrived from Cork with part of the 67th Regiment, on their way to Malta.
8 Feb 1935 - Reply received to the memo of 31 Aug 1934, to the King, asking for increased representation in the administration of Gibraltar. The request was refused.
8 Feb 1998 – The Junta de Andalucia Environment Committee confirmed that 40,000 square metres of soil were contaminated in the Los Barrios neighbourhood, with a total of 930,000 cubic metres of toxic deposits.
9 Feb 1924 – Heavy SW gale with thunder and torrential rain; 3.03 inches were recorded in 24 hours.
9 Feb 1935 - A fifteen-minute snowstorm was observed. The following night the minimum temperature was 35'F; the lowest recorded for 23 years.
9 Feb 1892 - HRH Prince Henry of Battenburg KG arrived in Gibraltar.
9 Feb 2002 – The Queen’s sister HRH Princess Margaret, b. 1930, died this morning around 2.30. She suffered a stroke last night and cardiac complications as the night progressed.
10 Feb 1871 - An attempt was made on the life of Mrs Carolina Picardo.
10 Feb 1882 - The bugler of New Mole Guard shot himself.
10 Feb 1960 – Jacko, the longest-lived ape at that time, died.
10 Feb 2003 – Diners at La Mamela, above Catalan Bay, were surprised by debris falling on the tables as a car attempted to join them in the restaurant following a traffic accident outside. Nobody was injured but no thanks to the 18 year old driver who demolished garden ornaments and the patio, coming to rest against the western retaining wall which saved him from death on the road below.
10 Feb 2007 - Spain lifted restrictions on Gibraltar's ability to expand and modernise its telecomms infrastructure. Restrictions had included refusal to recognise our IDD Code (350) which rstricted the expansion of Gibraltar's telephone numbering plan and the prevention of roaming arrangements for Gibraltar's GSM mobile 'phones in Spain.
10 Feb 2012 - The death occurred of Joe Gaggero, CBE, aged 84, the founder of GB Airways and CEO of the Bland Group.
11 Feb 1727 - The Spaniards lay siege to Gibraltar.
11 Feb 1921 - The Right Rev. JH Greig DD enthroned as Bishop, Holy Trinity.
11 Feb 1999 – The Times reported: “Gibraltar was yesterday thrown back to the siege of Franco’s days when Spain announced that it would ban all drivers with a Gibraltar licence from its roads and threatened to stop all flights to the Rock across its territory. Traffic across the Gibraltar frontier with Spain was at a virtual standstill, with delays of up to six hours as Spanish officials throttled the flow. Within hours of the Spanish announcement, a driver was turned back by Spanish police who refused to recognise his licence.” The sudden worsening of relations came after an agreement signed last week between Gibraltar and local Spanish fishermen, which infuriated Spain. An angry and deeply embarrassed Abel Matutes, Spanish Foreign Minister, announced the new restrictions to the Cortes as part of a “panoply of possible measures” intended to put pressure on Gibraltar.
12 Feb 1721 – The decision was announced today that civilians would be called to bear arms. (see 17/2)
12 Feb 1868 - The Rocket (line throwing) Apparatus was successfully used for the first time when five sailors were rescued from the wreck of the Mecklenburg brigantine “Meteor”, off Eastern Beach.
12 Feb 1929 – Temporal power was returned to the Holy See at Rome. A Te Deum was celebrated in the Catholic Cathedral in thanksgiving.
12 Feb 1933 - Visit by HE and Lady Godley to Seville as guests of HE General L. Ruiz Trillo.
12 Feb 1934 – Gibraltar encountered strong easterly gales.
12 Feb 1999 - Jon Snow, reading the Channel 4 News referred to Gibraltar as a "dirty tax haven and drugs transhipment centre” continuing “the requirements of 50/60M Britons are being held to ransom by the attitude of the Gibraltarians whose future clearly lies with Spain." We are still waiting for our government to refute those allegations. This demonstrates how easily so-called TV journalists can be persuaded to swallow Spanish propaganda instead of doing their own basic homework. Thankfully… Jon retired in 2022.
13 Feb 1874 - Rt Rev Charles Waldegrove Sandford, DD, installed at Holy Trinity as Church of England Bishop.
13 Feb 1894 – There was a major fire at Senor Larios' cork factory in La Linea.
13 Feb 1935 – From details in the press; the socialist revolutionary rising in Spain during October 1934 caused 1335 deaths, 2951 wounded and 63 public buildings, 58 churches and 730 private houses destroyed as well as £1.1M robbed and pillaged. This was, of course, the Falangist press and Franco was to wreak far greater havoc in the years to come.
13 Feb 1939 – Red Sands Road declared a public highway.
14 Feb 1808 – A severe easterly gale wrecked some 46 vessels.
14 Feb 1810 – San Felipe and Santa Barbara Forts at Spanish lines blown up by a British force instructed by Colin Campbell, to prevent their use by Napoleonic troops. At that time Napoleon had conquered all of Spain except for Cadiz and Tarifa, which were defended by troops from the garrison at Gibraltar. Campbell’s action saved the Rock and hence the kingdom of Spain.
14 Feb 1832 – The Prince Regent, Lieut. C. Binsted, Agent, arrived from Dublin with the remaining part of the 67th Regiment, on their way to Malta. (see also 4th Feb)
14 Feb 1865 – Ensign HL Dundas of H.M. 15th Regiment of Foot was officer of the guard and was executing his rounds at the New Mole. When he heard some men struggling in the water he immediately jumped in and assisted one to a place where he could support himself and then saved the second. Unfortunately, before he could return for the third, the man had sunk. It appears that the three men were returning on board from leave, and the night being very dark, walked over the edge of the mole into the water. Had it not been for Ensign Dundas’s gallant and timely assistance, all three would have probably been drowned.
14 Feb 1933 – Combined exercises of the Home Fleet and the garrison of the fortress proved very interesting, with dense smoke screens being used by the attacking navy.
14 Feb 1935 – H.E. the Governor, accompanied by Rear Admiral Austin, Lt. Col. the Hon. A.E. Beattie, Major R.A. Ansell, R.A.M.C and Mr. A.E. Huart, District Organiser of the T&GW paid a visit of inspection to dwelling houses of the poorer classes.
14 Feb 1944 – General Ralph Eastwood became Governor and Commander in Chief, replacing Mason-Mac.
14 Feb 2008 – The Spanish environment minister Cristina Narbonna, referring to the New Flame, said it was wrecked in Gibraltar waters and an official press release on their website confirmed it. Others, in Spain, have followed suit. This provoked the Spanish foreign minister to correct Cristina, pointing out that the New Flame had to be in Spanish waters as Gibraltar has no territorial waters other than those within the harbour. (That would be the Minister of the Foreign Affair… us)
15 Feb 1831 – A general census of the population was taken.
15 Feb 1860 - Ice, an inch thick, was found at the Signal Station.
15 Feb 1921 – A Breguet 14 aircraft, Reg. F-ALBA, operated by Lignes Aeriennes Latecoere, a company performing mail flights from France to Spain and Morocco, encountered unfavourable weather when approaching Gibraltar. The aircraft lost control and crashed into the sea. Search and Rescue attempts were abandoned after a few days as no trace of the aircraft or crew was found. The pilot Henri Merel and mechanic Maxime Garrigue were presumed dead.
15 Feb 1935 - Serious fire at Sanane's Crockery store in Cornwall's Lane some of the occupants of the upper storeys having to be removed to adjoining buildings.
15 Feb 1942 – ML 169 (73grt) was destroyed by fire when an explosion occurred as her engines were started; four ratings were killed.
15 Feb 1971 - Decimal Currency was introduced accompanied by complaints that the price of bread, bus fares, etc. had all gone up resulting in accusations of exploitation or at the very least bad timing... The Rock’s traders never fail to exploit an opportunity.
15 Feb 2002 – A torrential downpour lasting 4 hours resulted in serious flooding in parts of Gibraltar today. Cars in Wellington Front were two feet deep in water, the Music centre and other units were evacuated. Queensway and Devils Tower Road were flooded, Prince Edwards Road was blocked & residents of Casemates and Main St had to ask for Fire Brigade assistance. Two men suffered serious injury when their wagon left Europa Road, careering through a wall and landing in Grand Parade.
15 Feb 2002 – Descendants of Moors expelled from Spain 500 years ago, today asked King Juan Carlos for an apology. The demand was made in the Moroccan city of Chaouen to mark the 500th anniversary of the exodus. Historian Mohammed Azzuz said “We are like the Palestinians, keeping the keys to their houses against an eventual return. Who was to say that after living in Spain for 500 years my family were not Spanish? The expulsion of 270,000 men women and children in the 16th C. by Ferdinand & Isabella was ethnic cleansing.” A royal palace spokesman said “This is the first time we have received such a petition, the King’s Office will now be working on the matter.”
16 Feb 1891 – A Mr Sequah made his last appearance in Commercial Square. He staged what was essentially an American medicine show, first a magic lantern show, then the drawing of teeth accompanied by a band and bass drum, and lastly the sale of patent medicines; which is where he made his money. He was actually one of twenty three Mr Sequahs; it had been franchised in 1890, when it became a multi million pound business spread across the world.
16 Feb 1912 - Governor Sir Archibald Hunter laid the foundation stone for a new bandstand at the Alameda promenade, which was later renamed Kingsway as a memorial to the late King Edward VII.
16 Feb 1958 - Radio Gibraltar began broadcasting. Originally they were on the air from 8.00AM until midnight. GBC’s first home was Wellington Front, where various chambers were converted into Radio and later TV studios. GBC Television was to follow, opening in 1962.
17 Feb 1721 - Civilians able to bear arms: English 45; Spanish 96: Genoese 169. (following the announcement of 12th Feb.)
17 Feb 1872 - Departure for Malta of 1st Battalion 13th Regt. (Somerset Light Infantry) and 74th Regt. (Highland Light Infantry)
17 Feb 1908 - Ratepayers meeting at Exchange Rooms to discuss increase of rates to 2/8d in the £ and ask for larger representation of ratepayers on the Sanitary Commission.
17 Feb 1920 - Reclamation Road declared public property
17 Feb 1926 - News published that the Royal Danish order of Dannebrog had been conferred on Mr John Mackintosh, Danish Consul.
17 Feb 1931 – The arrival and subsequent departure of General Italo Balbo, Italian Air Minister, on his return to Italy after the transatlantic flight to South America. Balbo had led a flight of 12 Savoia-Marchetti S.55 flying boats from Orbetello airfield, Italy, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 17 Dec 1930 and 15 Jan 1931. In June 1940 Balbo was a passenger in a S-M S.79 flying to Tobruk, Libya, when Italian AA gunners mistook it for a British aircraft and shot it down; all the passengers died.
17 Feb 1945 - The British motor tanker Regent Lion was the last ship to be torpedoed by U-boats in the Gibraltar Strait about 5 miles from the Rock. Built in 1937 by Swan Hunter, she was carrying 12,440 tons of aviation spirit for Suez, when she was hit by a torpedo from U-610 at around 0830 and then another from U-300 about 1100 next day. Whilst badly damaged she was taken in tow by HMS Rollicker and HMS Arctic Ranger, but grounded on the Pearl Rock. She was later declared a total loss. Seven crew members were lost; the master 40 crew and 4 gunners were picked up by Arctic Ranger and landed at Gibraltar.
17 Feb 2002 – Members of 45 Royal Marine Commando from HMS Ocean took part in a simulated assault on Gibraltar’s beaches this weekend. The exercise went a little awry when one landing craft attacked the Spanish coast, a little north of Western Beach where bemused fishermen re-directed the force towards the Rock. The official MoD press release stated that there had been no intention to invade Spain and at the moment they had no such plans. Nevertheless, we are all grateful to the Commandos for demonstrating that their hearts are in the right place. The Mayor of La Linea,
Juan Carlos Juarez, said: ‘They landed on
our coast to confront a supposed
enemy with typical commando tactics. But we managed to hold them on the beach.’ At least the Alcalde has a sense of humour.
17 Feb 2003 – Following complaints about ever increasing road closures, specifically articles in Panorama, an Official Notice was issued stating that Keightley Way tunnel will re-open this afternoon. Dudley-Ward remains closed and it has not been possible to circumnavigate the Rock by road since 1996.
18 Feb 1753 - The first Justice of The Peace was appointed.
18 Feb 1828 – Great storm 100 vessels lost or damaged.
18 Feb 1862 - The funeral of Lt-General Sir H Somerset, KCB, KH, took place. Sir Henry had served in the Peninsular War with the 18th Hussars at Waterloo, then with the Cape Mounted Rifles in the Xhosa Wars at Cape Colony, and lastly as Commander in Chief of the Bombay Army. He died in Gibraltar, aged 67, on 15th February.
18 Feb 1877 - A daring robbery took place in Scud Hill.
18 Feb 1967 – The ‘Gibraltar problem’ has not featured in the British press for some time, apart from the cost of the Piazza project (£80K) and contaminated fresh water in the tanker. Meanwhile the lack of news about the Spanish blockade has led many Britons to imagine that relations are all hunky-dory between us. This is precisely the intention of the Spanish government, as it is essential for Spain’s economy for the usual number of British tourists to roast on her costas this summer. (Slim).
18 Feb 2002 - Bryan Navarro was killed instantly by a rock fall at the Sandy Bay entrance to Dudley Ward Tunnel; the roof of his car being crushed by a falling boulder. His passenger escaped without injury after being cut free by the CFB. The road was closed pending an engineer’s inspection of the cliff and remains so a year later.
Interestingly, the GoG had spent more than £3.5M widening and improving Sir Herbert Miles Rd, prior to the closure resulting from the accident. The geo-technical study eventually appeared - but was not made public – although it is understood that it recommended extending the protective structure at the tunnel entrance. Now, in Aug 2006, nothing more has happened, DTR is jammed throughout the bathing season and heavy haulage vehicles drive through town and South District, over roads designed not to carry them. If the government left the tunnel open, it would be a danger to the public; if they executed a repair or built a protective structure that would be an admission of liability…. so they did nothing, hoping the problem would go away. Eventually it did and they built a structure, without being sued. To assuage consciences, they named it Bryan Navarro Way when it was re-opened on the 3rd Nov 2010. The protective structure came in at a (reported) £10.6M.
18 Feb 2003 – A major public row broke out between the Heritage Trust and the GoG over plans to re-site public toilets on the ground floor of the Main Guard, the oldest building in John Mackintosh Square. The Trust occupies the 1st floor and in May 2001 asked GoG to place the ground floor in HT guardianship. HT Chairman Joe Desoisa added “I am further of the opinion that by siting these facilities in the Main Guard, the government is demonstrating its contempt for the Trust and its members. There is no doubt in my mind that to install public toilets in close proximity to the Trust’s offices is bizarre and abhorrent and will publicly and fundamentally undermine the Heritage Trust’s credibility and render its position unsustainable”. Then again some people found it comical…. Joe also neglected to mention that immediately before being handed to the HT, the building was the vehicle licencing office and had an old fashioned lean-to toilet in its back yard.
18 Feb 2006 – Air Traffic Control at Gibraltar airport delayed the arrival of this morning’s incoming GB Airways flight by 30 minutes. This was because a very large vessel was moored at N. Mole which “infringed the safety surfaces for safe operation of aircraft due to its height”. The vessel, the GSF Explorer, has a derrick of around 170 feet high according to HQBF. It was originally intended to have moved-off between 9 & 10, but was delayed until 1145. Once it had cleared the airfield safety zones, the controller allowed the GB Airways pilot to make his approach.
18 Feb 2019 – The Spanish Navy warship Tornado today attempted to exercise control of the BGTW waters on the eastside. Two vessels anchored there, the Ivor Accord and the Great Victory, who were informed by the Spaniards that they: ‘were drifting in Spanish territorial waters and should leave the area’. The exchange on VHF was monitored by a Gibraltar ship spotter. In that audio exchange a crew member on the Ivor Accord is heard asking the Spanish ship ‘to verify you are referring to our ship’, which was anchored in Gibraltar waters. ‘We are not adrift, we are at anchor now,’ he said, before being told again by the warship to leave ‘Spanish waters’. Crew on the Ivor Accord and the Great Victory ignored the instructions from the Spanish vessel and instead contacted the GPA, where port officials told them to remain at anchor. The Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron despatched HMS Scimitar and a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to intercept the Spanish vessel but by the time they arrived over 30 minutes after the radio exchange, the Tornado was close to Europa Point and heading out into the Strait of Gibraltar.
19 Feb 1694 - HMS Sussex, en-route to delivering a 1 million pound bribe to the Duke of Savoy, capsized and foundered in a storm, just over 3 miles from the Rock in 2,900 feet of water. Greg Stemm director of Odyssey Marine believes she may be the richest treasure ship ever found.
19 Feb 1705 – Gibraltar declared a Free Port by edict of Queen Anne. In fact the shortage of building materials forced the issue; when the Emperor of Morocco was approached for materials he refused to supply Gibraltar unless it was made a free port; Her Majesty obliged, though she had no authority to do so; Charles of Austria was technically Gibraltar's sovereign. Gibraltar was made a Free Port, by a Special Decree (a Charter would follow in April) remaining free of all duty until 1827 when charges were levied on hulks and pontoons (used by smugglers). Then in 1848 wharfage and tonnage fees were imposed and the Privy Council ordered duties on wines and spirits. Perhaps aware that these later acts were unconstitutional, the original Charter was never rescinded.
19 Feb 1856 - At the Criminal Sessions, Coronel Segundo Correa Bottino, of the Spanish Army, was found guilty of cutting and wounding John Pardo and was sentenced to death. He received the Queen's Free Pardon on 3rd June from Queen Victoria after intercession by the Queen of Spain.
19 Feb 2001 – Severe winds affected the Rock today. Easterly winds averaging 35-40 knots gusting to 40-50 knots caused damage when they peaked at 100km/hr. A wall at St John Ambulance collapsed as did a 250 yr old palm tree at the Patio Chico. Various trees fell and the scaffolding proved to be dangerous at Harbour Views; the CFB had 24 call outs.
19 Feb 2001 – Today there was a visit by John Miller Adye, great-grandson of former Governor Sir John Miller Adye, who became governor in 1882 and “tried to reconcile the dual interests of a fortress and a commercial city”. Sir JM Adye relaxed some of the military restrictions on trade and provided the garrison recreation rooms. Visiting Gibraltar for the first time, the grandson also discovered a great uncle, buried in Trafalgar Cemetery. Members of this family had served in the Royal Artillery from the 1750’s. TV journalist Kate Adye is also a descendant of Sir John.
19 Feb 2003 – Spain has again refused to sign a 1999 Council of Europe Convention on corruption, because of the power it gives little Gibraltar. Foreign Minister Ana de Palacio has told a parliamentary committee that Spain will not sign because the document would give Gibraltar an international presence; something unacceptable to Spain.
20 Feb 1722 – “All fish to be sent up to the Convent by a sentinel. Neither officers or others to take any before they are sent to the Commanding Officers.” (Gibraltar Directory)
20 Feb 1813 – Falmouth UK: ‘The Windsor Packet, which was put into quarantine, in consequence of not bringing a Bill of Health from Gibraltar, was released this day.’ (from the London Chronicle, Feb 23rd, Volume 113, Naval Intelligence section.)
20 Feb 1868 - Lady Airey laid the first (foundation) stone of new works of Drainage and Water Supply of the Sanitary Commissioners.
20 Feb 1891 - Sir Lothien Nicholson appointed Governor.
20 - Feb 1912 - The arrival and departure of HMS Powerful having on board HRH the Princess Royal & daughters and remains of the late Duke of Fife. Alexander William George Duff, Viscount Duff the Duke of Fife and his family were passengers on board the P&O liner SS Delhi in December 1911, when it was run aground at Cape Spartel by poor navigation. After some time spent in the water, they all survived, landing on shore and walking four miles to find accommodation. They journeyed on to Egypt, but the Duke fell ill with pleurisy, probably as a result of the shipwreck and he died at Aswan on 29th January 1912. His remains were repatriated in a lead coffin, via Gibraltar, to a burial in Braemar, his Ducal Seat.
20 Feb 1923 – HRH Princess Patricia (Lady Patricia Ramsay) and the Earl and Countess of Athlone arrived to stay at ‘Government House’ until 10th March.
20 Feb 1936 - From 20th to 22nd combined naval and military exercises took place; a "blackout" was carried out and all traffic stopped.
20 Feb 1936 - Disturbances in La Linea, the quarters of "Accion Popular" were wrecked and some residents sought refuge in Gibraltar.
20 Feb 1967 – The Times reports that a note was handed to the Spanish Foreign Ministry, from the British Embassy in Madrid, stating that the respective legal rights of both countries over the Gibraltar dispute be submitted to the International Court in The Hague. The Spanish response was that the British authorities overlook the reasons that induced Spain to reject the proposal when it was previously made. They contend that it is a ‘decolonisation issue’ which falls within the competence of the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Times noted ‘appear to have reached a point of continued deadlock’.
21 Feb 1870 - Landslip between Devils Tower and Catalan Bay; huge boulders falling down rendered the road impassable. Communication by road closed until 17th March.
21 Feb 1934 - Beef sold at 10d a pound.
21 Feb 2002 – Chief Minister Peter Caruana today committed to the Yanito agenda when he accepted public demands to refute talks under the Brussels Process and agreed to defend Gibraltar against the proposed deal being arranged between UK and Spain. He could have reached this point last November.
21 Feb 2021 – An explosion occurred on board a coal carrier, CSSC Cape Town at 0910 this morning injuring four of the all Chinese crew, two of whom were badly burned. One man had 40% burns and the other 20%. They were evacuated first to St Bernard’s and subsequently to Seville burns unit. Algeciras Port offered to airlift the victims but the offer was declined. The explosion occurred in the forecastle, involving the anchor handling equipment and she was unable to immediately anchor. The vessel is stable and operational in all other respects. Repairs to her anchor system will begin shortly, after safety inspection by the class and flag states.
22 Feb 1819 – Spain sold the Floridas to the USA for $5M.
22 Feb 1874 - A prisoner escaped from the Civil Prison.
22 Feb 1932 - Minimum taxi fare agreed at 1 shilling.
22 Feb 1936 – There were combined military and naval exercises, where a blackout was carried out and all traffic stopped.
22 Feb 1944 - The heavy cruisers London and Cumberland arrived in Gibraltar en route to transfer to the Eastern Fleet.
22 Feb 1946 – Thomas
McGlynn (24) a steamship fireman, who was charged with hanging a boy at
Liverpool, was committed by the Magistrate to prison for 15 days, to await
return to Great Britain. Reuter’s correspondent explains that under Gibraltar
law no person can be sent for trial in Britain
until a Gibraltar magistrate is satisfied as
to a prima facie case. The maximum period of detention in Gibraltar for arrest
made on behalf of Britain
is 21 days.
22 Feb 2004 – There was a serious rock-fall this weekend, when three large boulders came down between Both Worlds and the Motorcycle Club. One of the boulders crushed a porta-cabin used as a site office by a contractor.
22 Feb 2007 - A letter to the Secretary General of the U.N. from Britain's permanent U.N. representative states that the UK Government clearly confirms the following:
(1) The UK recognises the Gibraltar referendum on the Constitution as democratic, lawful and entirely proper.
(2) The UK regards the referendum as an exercise of the right to self-determination by the people of Gibraltar.
(3) The new constitution recognises the right of self-determination of the people of Gibraltar.
(4) The UK rejects the applicability of the principle of territorial integrity to the decolonisation of Gibraltar.
(5) The new constitution provides for a modern relationship between UK and Gibraltar, not based on colonialism.
(6) The U.N. criteria for de-listing non self-governing territories are outdated.
23 Feb 1862 – Marked the death of Lt Frederick Henry Solly Flood aged 28 who has a memorial in Kings Chapel. He was the son of the Attorney General Solly Flood who subsequently became notorious for his proceedings in the enquiry into the Marie Celeste.
23 Feb 1874 - A prisoner escaped from the Military Prison.
23 Feb 1981 – An attempted coup failed when Colonel Tejero, with 150 Guardia Civil and some soldiers, held members of the Congress of Representatives (Cortes Generale) at gunpoint. The Congressmen were held for 22 hours; King Juan Carlos made a TV address denouncing the coup; and 24 hours later the coup leaders surrendered. Interestingly, the main event was televised and was subsequently broadcast worldwide. Tejero served 15 years in the military prison at Alcala de Henares and was released on 2nd December 1996. He now lives in Torre de Mar, Malaga and in 2006 attended a Pinochet homage in Madrid.
23 Feb 2003 – The north section of Main St was closed this (Sunday) morning to allow filming of a 25 seconds insert, part of a TV advertisement for a Spanish savings account. Demo Casting Agency’s (DCA) Selina Stone selected 60 ordinary people to take part.
23 Feb 2006 – This morning, two fast jets were seen over-flying Gibraltar’s runway… twice. Witness’ say the aircraft came directly over the runway before banking away to the north. One witness stated that he believed them to be Spanish Air Force CASA 101’s, which may have been engaged in a simulated attack on the missile base just behind CarreFour. The MoD refused to confirm or deny any air activity in the area… but then what would you expect?
24 Feb 1886 - Inauguration of the Public Assembly Rooms.
24 Feb 1857 - Opening of Public Baths & Washhouse, Cloister Ramp.
24 Feb 1944 – Aircraft P-14 and P-15 of VP63 and VB127 Sqdns USN and aircraft G (F/Lt Finch) of RAF 202 Sqdn. Heavily damaged U-761 (OblitzS Hans Geider) when she tried to transit the Strait from near Tangier. Destroyers Anthony (Lt/Cmdr Wallace) and Wishart (Lt Holdsworth) arrived and the U-boat crew scuttled their boat after they abandoned her in 35’35N. 005’45W. Nine men were killed, Geider and forty-eight crewmen were rescued.
24 Feb 1967 - IWBP, Integration with Britain Party, formed.
24 Feb 1967 – The first NATO base in Portugal was inaugurated at San Juliano, near Lisbon. Admiral Thomas Moorer, Allied Commander in Chief Atlantic, was reported in the Times to have said that, at the request of the British, Gibraltar had been considered as the possible HQ for Iberland, the name given to the new HQ covering the Atlantic and Mediterranean areas. However, everyone in NATO agreed that Portugal offered the best situation. The command area would cover 410,400 sq miles of the N. Atlantic between the Azores, Tropic of Cancer and the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula. As we now (2000) know, Spain, who joined NATO in 1982, pushed and connived until it got HQ Allied Force Command established at Retamares, Madrid, and the Joint Sub Regional Command Southwest, Pozuelode Alarcon, Madrid (Sept. 1999). This was followed by the removal of the Sub Regional Command COMGIBMED from Gibraltar and closure of COMCEN (Oct 1999) to facilitate the Spaniards. HQAFC Madrid was subsequently deactivated in a NATO restructure in 2013.
24 Feb 2000 – The death occurred of Michael Colvin, Tory MP and his wife in a fire at their mansion. He was a past chairman of the Gibraltar Group at Westminster and long time friend of the Rock; although not immune to occasional mistakes. He was also suegro to Bland Group's James Gaggero.
24 Feb 2003 – A strong levanter gusting to 80kmph prevented La Linea, Algeciras and Tarifa fisherman leaving harbour to hunt tuna. At Algeciras, the ferry Al Mansour with 29 people on board was directed to the Juan Carlos 1st mole after difficulty manoeuvring to her usual berth. In so doing the ferry struck a cargo ship. Mansour resumed her scheduled service but Euroferry’s Pacifica and the Hanse Jet both cancelled sailings.
24 Feb 2004 – At 0327 the tremor of an earthquake was felt in Gibraltar. The ‘quake of 6.5 magnitude is believed to have originated some 800 metres below the seabed somewhere off Al Hoceima (not far from Melilla) on the Moroccan coast. The P wave took less than 2 seconds to reach the Rock. Serious damage has been done to the area around Al Hoceima with some 300 believed killed. Nearby villages where people live in mud-built houses were struck off the map. The last major earthquake in North Africa was May 2003 which killed 2000 and injured 10,000 in Algeria. The deadliest of them all was in 1960, when 15,000 were killed in Agadir.
24 Feb 2004 – A woman prisoner escaped onto the roof at HMP Moorish Castle this afternoon. She made a 2 hour protest during which she removed her clothes. Eventually, she was persuaded to come down by Prison Officers.
25 Feb 1802 - Death of General O'Hara; whose remains were placed in the Kings Chapel.
25 Feb 1903 – Fire on board a 100 ton barge, laden with oil, at Bayside jetty.
25 Feb 1922 – The tragic death of Mr JA Patron, CMG, OBE, JP, occurred.
25 Feb 1935 – There were 3,276 school children.
25 Feb 2002 – Chronicle reports: An American Pit-Bull terrier attacked and killed two domestic cats, last night at 11.30 in St Joseph’s estate. It is believed to be the same dog that killed an ape on the Upper Rock a week ago. The Police have impounded the dog and reported the owner for process.
26 Feb 1862 – The P&O
Steam Navigation Co. Pera arrived
today (Wednesday) having left Southampton with the India, China, Australia and
New Zealand mails on Thursday 20th of February at 2.pm. She left
next morning at 9.am making Malta
by 2nd March and Alexandria
by 6th March. She reached Melbourne
on 17th April.
26 Feb 1868 – A fire in a house in College Lane caused considerable damage to property including a stock of flour and a valuable Law Library.
26 Feb 1872 - Don Francisco de Asis de Borbon, (commonly called the Duke of Cadiz) husband of Queen Isabella II and therefore ex-King Consort arrived today. Queen Isabella had been deposed by the Glorious Revolution 0f 1868 and formally abdicated in 1870. The First Republic was declared in Feb 1872 and Don Francisco and Isabella went into exile in France; where they eventually became good friends…. a situation that had not obtained throughout their marriage.
26 Feb 1971 – In a letter to the Chronicle Charlie Beanland complained about the cutting down of trees between the Convent & Southport Gate and in Casemates. He commented on the obsession with concrete and asked why we can’t have hanging flower baskets, like Italy & France, or trees and plants from N. Mole to Waterport. He was quite right wasn’t he? ... and now we do.
26 Feb 1993 - Defence Secretary Malcolm Rifkind visited Gibraltar. He insisted HMS Calpe had not been disbanded as a gesture of appeasement to Spain and called the Workers Union and IPMS ‘Neanderthals’ for daring to have a half-day strike. Malcolm’s education appears to have been sadly lacking on the subject of Neanderthals.
26 Feb 2002 – World adventurer Michael Palin returned to the Rock this week to film the closing episode of his latest travel adventure series for the BBC, almost 12 months after commencing the expedition from here. The journey took him to the fabled 11th C. town of Timbuktu in Mali. The TV programme will be accompanied by a book from Cassell & Co.
26 Feb 2002 – The Overseas Territories Act was passed in the UK Parliament today, officially making Gibraltar – with others – a British Overseas Territory.
26 Feb 2002 – A wreck, sunk in a storm not far from the Rock in 1694 and discovered by Odyssey Marine last year, may well be HMS Sussex. If so it should contain gold worth millions, originally intended to bribe Britain’s shaky ally the Duke of Savoy. Captain Francis Wheeler was to offer the gold and silver coins as an inducement to declare for Britain instead of Louis XIV. The lost payment sent the Duke into the French camp, altering the war’s outcome as well as a swathe of European and American history. The MoD have struck a deal with Odyssey… but the Spanish are intent on interfering in what is, essentially, none of their business. When a wreck has been a Spanish military vessel they claim ownership; in this case it was a British military vessel, so they have claimed ownership on the grounds it lies in Spanish waters… in fact it doesn’t.
26 Feb 2003 – A severe lightning storm took out GBC, BFBS and mobile ‘phone transmitters installed at O’Hara’s. Power panels belonging to all three service providers were burnt out.
27 Feb 1727 – A six-month land siege by Spain begins.
27 Feb 1806 – Today saw the arrival of Her Majesty’s Ship Niger, carrying Mr Cartwright, British Consul General to Algiers, who was landed here. He had asked for his passport when the Dey refused to adhere to treaty obligations.
27 Feb 1845 – The SW Tower at Moorish Castle was repaired to accept a clock.
27 Feb 1876 - The English schooner Amalia was seized by the crew of the Spanish Guardacosta Invencible, some 12 miles off Europa, who placed four sailors on board as a prize crew. The crew of the Amalia overpowered the prize crew and brought the vessel safely into Gibraltar.
27 Feb 1900 - News of the surrender of Cronje with 4000 Boers was received with great enthusiasm on the Rock.
27 Feb 2003 – A post mortem was held today following the discovery of a German national’s body, floating near the Watergardens. The 57 year old man lived on board his boat at the marina and foul play is not suspected.
27 Feb 2003 – Residents of Mount Alvernia were temporarily evacuated after the discovery of asbestos during refurbishment works. Some residents were sheltered at the Retreat Centre and around 20 in the Caleta Palace. Everybody is upset. The government have been criticised for allowing the works to go ahead without moving the residents out, the contractor is believed to have informed the government about the asbestos nearly a year ago and GBC entered the home and filmed residents arbitrarily, not only without their consent… but against their express wishes.
28 Feb 1727 - Spanish siege by land (only), given-up after 6 months.
28 Feb 1901 – The American steam yacht Genessee arrived today, 26 days out of New York, bound for Naples. Her steering gear was deranged, her bulwarks stove in and steam launch smashed. The Genesee is a steel hulled auxiliary schooner yacht owned by James Sibley Watson. The vessel sailed from New York, Feb 2nd, in command of R.W. Shelldrake bound for Naples where her owner and family were to join her for a Mediterranean cruise. She is a new vessel; launched last October at Elizabethport New Jersey.
28 Feb 1902 - HM Queen Amelia of Portugal arrived. She was 38 years old and had serious heart problems, which had become worse this year, leading her doctors to suggest an extended Mediterranean cruise aboard her steam yacht Amelia.
28 Feb 1888 – The SS Excellent, 1082 ton screw steamer, built by Short Bros. of Sunderland, was en route from Palermo to Philadelphia with a cargo of fruit when she dragged her anchor in a strong current and collided with two other vessels; the Saint Asaph and the Memling. She is upside down with the engine and boiler visible, lying in 30 metres off the detached mole.
28 Feb 1916 – The SS Roslyn, 3697 ton, dragged her anchor in a SW force 9 gale driving her against the S Mole. Two government tugs went to her assistance and managed to bring off the crew but the Cardiff steamer, built in 1902, sank next morning and now sits upright, on the sloping seabed, at 23 metres.
28 Feb 1940 - John Mackintosh died.
28 Feb 1973 - The notorious Brussels Proposals, describing Spain's desired status for Gibraltar, was handed to Sir Joshua Hassan. see also 07-11-74 and 10-12-97.
28 Feb 2002 – Today, the Gibraltar Parliament formally adopted the report of the committee responsible for drafting a new constitution for the Rock. After two years of work a new constitution is now ready to be offered to the administering power for their agreement… or otherwise. Unfortunately, the current UK Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, has already condemned it, sight unseen. Perhaps this is related to his enthusiasm for his newfound unnatural relationship with Los Espanardos.
28 Feb 2003 – 110 members of the group Ecologists in Action, from all parts of Andalucia, today held a hunger strike aboard a vessel at anchor in the Bay just off the airport buoy. This Day of Andalucia, they are expressing solidarity with the people of Galicia who suffered badly from the Prestige oil-spill. They want double-hulled tankers, an Andalucian coast free from contamination and a clean Bay of Algeciras, wherever that is… perhaps it is part of the Bay of Gibraltar.
28 Feb 2008 – The King’s Bastion leisure centre was formally inaugurated this evening and there is to be an open-house day tomorrow to allow the public to view the facilities. The leisure operations are to commence on the 1st March, at 1000am.
29 Feb 1872 - Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce established.
29 Feb 1960 – At 15 minutes to midnight Agadir was almost totally destroyed by an earthquake that lasted 15 seconds, burying the city and killing thousands. The death toll was estimated at 15,000 and the ancient Kasbah was completely demolished.
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Feb 1815 - Commissioners of Public Health appointed for the 1st time.
Feb 1845 - Paisano Richard Ford reports in his Handbook for travellers in Spain: "the Spaniard in authority, like the nettle, stings the hand that treats him gently." (page 520)
Feb 1843 – The schooner Rayo, of the Spanish Guardacosta was observed pursuing some vessels and discharging musketry into them almost within pistol shot of the shore at the south end of the Rock. The artillery guard warned the Rayo off with a warning shot over her. As this produced only derisory jeers from her crew, a second shot was fired across her bows. This only had the effect of increasing the mockery from her crew complete with indecent gesticulations, at the supposed lack of accuracy of the British gun crew. A third shot, fired in earnest, struck the vessel which then sheered off, heading towards Algeciras. In the middle of the bay she started to sink and a Portuguese vessel from Gibraltar, bound for Barbary carrying cotton and other goods, went to her aid; taking off the crew as the vessel foundered. The Portuguee sailed to Algeciras and delivered the Rayo’s crew and was promptly arrested, accused of carrying contraband. The Governor of Tangier was informed and immediately called the Spanish consul telling him: “Cause that property to be restored or I shall hold you personally responsible for it.” That had the desired effect.
Feb 1872 - Gas explosion in Spanish Pavilion, (now Gibraltar Heights) no death but considerable damage was occasioned.
Feb 1882 - In connexion with recent disturbances related to the appointment of Dr Canilla as Vicar Apostolic, an official notice was posted warning that similar occurrences in future would be severely dealt with.
Feb 1920 – Saw the disbandment of the Gibraltar Volunteer Corps.
Feb 1924 - Violent thunderstorm, hailstones covered the streets.
Feb 1957 - Duke of Edinburgh pays his 5th visit to Gibraltar.
Feb 1985 - Frontier re-opens fully, but we still have no ferry.
Feb 1988 - British Armed Forces General Staff Commander, Sir Peter Inge was quoted in the Lisbon "Diario de Noticias" that; “negotiations over Gibraltar are taking place far from the reach of public opinion."
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