Gibraltarmonthly
December:
1 Dec 1875 - Two convicts, Fernandez and Williams, made their escape from the Colonial Prison.
1 Dec 1890 – The Gibraltar Telephone Service (Cromwell Varley’s) was transferred to the ownership of Mr James Dagnino, 6 Waterport St, who became proprietor & manager this day.
1 Dec 1920 - Increase in bread price to 5 and 1/2d (60 centimos) resulting from the removal of the Colonial Government's flour subsidy.
1 Dec 1921 - Gibraltar's first City Council elections were held. It was the result of recommendations made by HE Gen Sir H Smith Dorrien to the Secretary of State for the Colonies and was a momentous step in the history of the Rock giving people a voice in the government of its municipal affairs. The powers of the Sanitary Commission (existing since 1865) were now transferred to the City Council. There were 3,106 voters.
1 Dec 1928 – The Royal Artillery Band was disbanded, having been formed in Gibraltar in 1900.
1 Dec 1941 – The destroyer HMS Jackal was hit by an aerial torpedo from an Italian SM 109. She was hit right aft and the damage was severe, but managed to make her own way at 14knots, back to Alexandria, steering with her engines.
1 Dec 1941 – A Swordfish aircraft of 812 Squadron from aircraft carrier Ark Royal, operating from N. Front, attacked and damaged U-96 as she attempted to pass through the Strait. U-96 was obliged to return to France for repair.
1 Dec 1966 - Harold Wilson and Ian Smith held the first Rhodesia talks on board HMS Tiger in the Bay. Rhodesia had claimed unilateral independence the previous year, becoming a republic in November 1965.
1 Dec 2005 – Public concern is growing about the proposed developments to the north and south of the historic Rosia Parade. In both cases rare heritage structures will be destroyed. To the north, the Anchorage, a nine storey development with a flat-iron shaped building pointing south will take out the Grand Magazine, old navy laundry and IPA club. To the south, the high rise Rosia Tanks project will destroy the underground water tanks built for Nelson’s navy which are unique in Gibraltar and perhaps in the world. The tanks extend some 10 metres underground and store water (1) collected from their roof (2) piped from the Victualling Yard roof and (3) brought in especially by ship, often from Tetuan. The tanks have massive retaining walls, executed in brick and sand-lime mortar, each with a beautiful high, vaulted, roof at ground level serving as a catchment. Despite being underground the tanks are able to discharge to ships or lighters in Rosia Bay, using a sophisticated gravity feed running under what is now Camp Bay road. Apart from local considerations many people feel that this will almost certainly scupper any chance we may have had of achieving world heritage status.
2 Dec 1875 - Escaped convicts Fernandez and Williams, from the civil prison, were recaptured in Main Street. Williams made another attempt on 6 December and reached Algeciras in a rowing boat.
2 Dec 1882 - Mr MH Bland died.
2 Dec 1914 – (WW1) A Telegram was received from Sec. of State for the Colonies expressing HMG’s deep gratitude for public and private contributions from the Colony of Gibraltar.
2 Dec 1935 – The death occurred of HRH Princess Victoria, sister to HM George Vth. The Governor sent a message of condolence which was gratefully acknowledged. The funeral was held on the 7th and as a mark of respect, flags were flown at half-mast.
2 Dec 1936 – The Our Day Fund Ball was held along with an arts and crafts fair attended by H.E. and Lady Harington.
2 Dec 1940 – British Admiral of the Fleet, Sir William Boyle, Earl of Cork and Orrery, arrived in Gibraltar aboard destroyer HMS Jersey to conduct a board of inquiry into Admiral James Summerville’s decision to disengage at the Battle of Spartivento.
2 Dec 1982 – A Spanish seaman, Juan Pinero aged 38, was on board the Panamanian registered Entele when she sank en route to Tunisia. Juan was thought to be the only survivor from amongst the 14 crew and Tunisian captain. He survived by clinging to a log for 17 hours before being rescued by a German vessel and brought to Gibraltar. On this occasion the Spanish authorities opened the border to allow him through.
2 Dec 2005 – A Moroccan freight ferry ran aground today on South Mole after dragging her anchor in a force nine gale. The Azzahra, operated by Casablanca based International Maritime Transport Corporation flies the Moroccan flag and is commanded by a French master and 25 Moroccan crew. The 1978 built ferry had arrived yesterday at around 7pm but the weather was too severe to take on bunkers so she lay to her anchor overnight. It was fortunate that she remained empty as the battering on the mole ruptured a fuel tank. She was eventually hauled off by three tugs; Capable (MoD) and two from TP Towage and placed inside Detached Mole where Port divers can inspect the damage to her hull.
3 Dec 1882 – Today saw the arrival of the War Department steamer Stanley,
with the first of the two 100 ton guns. The gun was landed on the quay beside
New Mole Battery on the 1oth then hoisted to the top of that battery where it
remained for several months. The following June it was transported some
400 yards on a purpose built sled - over 21 days - to its final site. The initial purchase price (ex-factory) is believed to be £16,200 each.
3 Dec 1935 – A defence exercise was held; all lighting in the town and harbour being put out and all traffic stopped from 1115 to 1150 pm.
3 Dec 1965 - The first Gibraltar Song Festival was held.
3 Dec 2002 – Police today arrested the master of Vemaoil VIII, Captain Georgios Vourantas 52, in connection with the recent oil spillage whilst bunkering the Maltese flagged vessel PIVI D, whose master has also been arrested. They are both likely to be charged with allowing fuel oil to escape into the waters of the bay on Saturday 2nd December.
4 Dec 1845 - Inauguration of a clock in ‘Stanley's Tower’ styled after Lord Stanley, Sec of State for the colonies, who had sent it out. The clock was fixed in SW tower of the castle which was built around 1160 under direction of celebrated architect Aljas Yahiz of Malaga by order of Abdel M'min, the first king of the Almohades who resided in Spain. When was it transferred to the tower in which it now stands?
4 Dec 1872 - Several days of free trade at La Linea, occasioned by a Republican rising, came to a full stop with the arrival of a detachment of Carabineros from San Roque. Several cargoes had to be brought back to Gibraltar.
4 Dec 1872 – The sailing ship Dei Gratia encountered the abandoned brig Marie Celeste half way between the Azores and Portugal. The last entry in her log was November 25, some 9 days previously, and she had apparently sailed some 1100 miles on her own. So started one of Gibraltar’s (and the world’s) most celebrated mysteries.
4 Dec 1929 – Mr HFC Cox appointed attorney general.
4 Dec 1944 – The first major Education Ordinance was enacted.
5 Dec 1782 - King George III made reference to Lord Shelbourne's proposed cession of Gibraltar (by exchange for Florida or Puerto Rico) earlier that year. The cabinet refused and no further offer was made.
5 Dec 1898 - Exchange on the sovereign 34.10.
5 Dec 1917 - Presentation at Government House of a magnificent clock and a framed parchment, subscribed to by Gibraltarians in Argentina, to commemorate the founding of the Gibraltar Exchange in 1817. The clock was accepted by Mr JA Patron CMG, JP, on behalf of Exchange Committee, from General Sir HSG Miles.
5 Dec 1934 - Eggs averaged 1/- (shilling) a dozen.
5 Dec 2002 – Europe’s biggest ocean survey ship, HMS Scott, captained by Commander Derek Turner, left port at 1000 today en route for the Indian Ocean. Built in 1997 at a cost of £40M, HMS Scott is 131.1 metres long and 21.5mtrs in the beam with a 9 metre draught. She displaces 13,500 tonnes and is designed to spend at least 300 days at sea each year. Her survey equipment has a 120 ft beam width compared with her predecessor Hecla’s 9 ft. Scott’s task is to navigate all the world’s oceans, producing hydro graphic, meteorological and oceanographic surveys.
5 Dec 2002 – La Batteria (Rosia Road) finally re-opened today with the conclusion of the repairs to the main sewer. There was no official announcement, probably because the government did not wish to draw attention to their embarrassment at having had the road closed for nearly two years…
6 Dec 1825 - A dreadful storm was experienced and many lives were lost.
6 Dec 1870 - Extremely cold weather; some snow fell on the Rock and half an inch of ice formed in exposed places.
6 Dec 1919 - A meeting of the Exchange Committee decided to approach HE with a view to the Colonial Government covering the £10K loan to Sanitary Commissioners and the deficit being covered from Colonial Government funds to avoid an increase in the General Purpose and Water Rates.
6 Dec 1921 - First meeting of City Council elected James Andrew Speed as chairman.
6 Dec 2000 - Spain celebrated the 25th anniversary of their current Constitution; nine previous ones having been abolished.
6 Dec 2002 – Two ships were involved in a minor collision in the bay, this evening. The American tanker Rover, carrying 30,000 tons of kerosene was entering the bay at the same time as the cargo ship Jacob was leaving. There were no injuries. Both ships were steaming at very slow speed, which may have avoided a more serious accident. Patricio Gonzalez, derelict Mayor of Algeciras, said “the Strait area is a source of constant danger, that people are concerned that something serious is going to happen due to the neglect of the Spanish government” He urged the Spanish government to stop the use of the port of Gibraltar by ships carrying dangerous cargo. However, it would appear that ships calling at Algeciras or the Refineria present little danger, according to him. Some people may recall that the only serious incident in the Bay occurred at the refinery, some years ago, when a ship exploded.
7 Dec 1889 - A balloon was launched from the gasworks.
7 Dec 1911 – A boat which was being towed by a runaway torpedo was swamped in Catalan Bay. The occupant, F. Witts being thrown into the water. Leading Stoker W. Bradford plunged in and caught Witts and the pair were picked up. Bradford was awarded a RHS medal. Case No 38846.
7 Dec 1926 – The Hon. Lady Monro presented autographed letters from Earl Haig ‘to ladies and gentlemen who took part in selling Flanders poppies during three years.’
7 Dec 1929 – The death occurred in UK of Sir Charles Monro, popular former Governor.
7 Dec 1939 - Commerce objects to trade licensing.
7 Dec 2009 - Four armed Civil Guard officers were detained after three landed in Gibraltar, guns blazing, between GASA and Harbour Views in pursuit of two suspected smugglers, who were themselves arrested. The Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba personally telephoned Chief Minister Peter Caruana to apologise, stating that there were "no political intentions" behind the incident. The Chief Minister was prepared to accept it had not been a political act. The Spanish officers were released by Police the following day, who said that "Enquiries established that the Guardia Civil mistakenly entered Gibraltar Territorial Waters in hot pursuit and have since apologised for their actions. They were given tea and biscuits and driven to the frontier for their wives to collect them and the RGP delivered their boat & weapons back to Algeciras next day… thin blue line… brothers in arms… eh?
8 Dec 1811 – Lorenzo Valverde of San Roque reports: ‘At the top of the slope above Catalan Bay were two large rocks, unattached to the mass of the rock but supported by earth and rubble. Heavy rainfall softened the support and allowed the two rocks to become loose and tumble downhill from the great height onto the village with such speed that escape or avoidance was impossible. At that time a number of Spanish refugees from San Roque, Estepona and the area were sheltering in the village and 15 were killed by the runaway rock as well as others being bruised or injured.’ One is thought to be the famous rock La Mamela, now sitting at the southern end of the beach. One of the secrets of La Caleta is that the original arms of Gibraltar, the flag taken to San Roque when the English invaded Gibraltar in 1704, was hidden amongst these refugees who had brought it with them to prevent it falling into the hands of the French. The refugees remained at Catalan Bay until the yellow fever epidemic of 1813 when the Governor was obliged to order them to leave.
8 Dec 1868 - There was an earth tremor in Gibraltar.
8 Dec 1874 - Inauguration of the new illuminated clock of St Mary the Crowned, a gift from Mr Pablo Larios; HE the Governor was present.
8 Dec 1898 – Today saw the opening of the ‘Welcome’ home for soldiers and sailors.
8 Dec 1935 - Unusual occurrence: On arrival at La Linea customs of a local taxicab driven by its owner, the Carabineers on duty apprehended it for carriage of contraband tobacco. The taxi-driver brought the cab into Gibraltar at a terrific speed with the Carabineers still inside; despite having a loaded pistol pointed at his head. He was subsequently summoned to the police station on a charge of driving to public danger and exporting 197 & 1/2 lbs of tobacco by land.
8 Dec every- Today is the Feast of Immaculate Conception.
9 Dec 1727 – (Sge of 1727) During the night a deserter climbed to within sight of Willis’ Battery from where he was assisted by a ladder of ropes by the gunners. When officers got a good look at him they realised he had deserted from the Royal Irish two months previously. When asked the reason for his return, he said he chose rather to be hanged than continue in the Spanish service. So he was given his choice... and hanged.
9 Dec 1782 - (Great Siege) A flag of truce; peace talked of.
9 Dec 1865 – Today saw promulgation of the Sanitary Order providing for appointment of Sanitary Commissioners and defining their duties.
9 Dec 1885 – A law was published against feeding apes in town.
9 Dec 1942 – HMS Porcupine was damaged by a single torpedo from U-602, NE of Oran, Algeria, at 36-30, N. 00-00W, whilst escorting the depot ship Maidstone from Gibraltar to Algiers; she was not repaired.
9 Dec 1948 - Eleanor Roosevelt describing the Declaration of Human Rights, said; "it may well become everyman’s Magna Carta".
9 Dec 1970 – The death occurred of General Charles De Gaulle the wartime leader of the Free French. Leader in spirit, that is, much of his war was spent comfortably in England and various safe locations around the world. He was arrogant, pompous and ungrateful. On his first day back in France, when the allies had won the war for him, he announced:
“I want every foreign serviceman out of France within 24 hours.” An American officer at his side replied “Does that include the ones buried here?” making the point that these men had died for France. He never forgave Britain and America for freeing his country from the Nazi yoke. No doubt he’ll be missed by somebody… not me.
9 Dec 2004 – The first round of the new tripartite talks between Britain, Spain and Gibraltar, concluded today. The CM met with Dominick Chilcott, (Director for Europe, FCO) and Jose Pons (Director General for Europe, Spanish Foreign Ministry) on Wednesday morning and yesterday afternoon. The encounter took place in the protected environment of the foreign secretary’s official country residence, Chevening, Kent, with the Gibraltar Government confirming that this was “to discuss possible modalities for three sided open agenda dialogue.”
9 Dec 2005 – Delays in receiving the mails from Gatwick were blamed on bad weather having forced incoming aircraft to divert to Malaga and the mails being returned to Gatwick, where as usual, they were misplaced by British Airways handlers. The mail that should have been sent to Gibraltar on 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th Dec is now expected on today’s flight.
10 Dec 1800 – The British hired armed brig Sir Thomas Pasley, Lt. Chas Niven, was carrying despatches for Lisbon, Gibraltar and Malta. After leaving Lisbon she was off Ceuta when a Spanish canonera San Francisco Javier, (alias Poderosa) Don Miguel Villalba, approached using sails and sweeps. Placing herself astern the Pasley the gunboat fired on the brig with her long 24 pounder. Spanish boarding parties took the brig at the third attempt having shot away her halyards and took their prize into Ceuta then Algeciras. Lt Niven was wounded in three places, the master was also badly wounded, three sailors killed and six more wounded.
10 Dec 1882 – The first of the 100 ton gun barrels was unloaded at the New Mole from the steamer SS Stanley. The barrel was 33 ft long and in places 2ft 4ins thick.
10 Dec 1885 – There was a severe storm with thunder, lightning and torrential rain.
10 Dec 1936 – The news of the abdication of King Edward VIII was received with great consternation… but in the end it was for the best.
10 Dec 1987 - Geoffrey Howe backed the European Council decision to exclude Gibraltar from the European Air Liberalisation deal until we accept joint use of our airport with Spain.
10 Dec 1997 – Degenerate Spanish politician Abel Matutes presented the now infamous Matutes Proposal to Robin Cook, equally degenerate British Foreign Secretary. It is still on the table awaiting rejection by F&CO. see also 28/2/73, 7/11/74, 27/11/84.
10 Dec 2004 – The Hermod moored off the detached mole today. She is the world’s third largest semi submersible floating crane and is most often used for positioning oil rigs. Her 10 metre draught when sailing is ballasted down to 25 metres on station, where she is held in place by 12 anchors laid out for her by tugs. She has two enormous cranes of 4K and 5K tons allowing a total lift of 9000 tons at one go. She can accommodate a crew of 350. (The world’s largest floating cranes are Heerema’s Thealf and Saipems S-7000).
11 Dec 1811 – Today’s Gibraltar Chronicle reports the event which occurred last Friday: A large fall of stones detached from the rock and rolled over Catalan Bay, killing 18 Spaniards (presumably 3 more had died of injury during the weekend) from San Roque and injuring as many more that were sheltering from the French invaders. Four sheds were similarly crushed. The rock ended up in the sea and is believed to be La Mamela.
11 Dec 1831 - General Jose Maria Torrijos y Uriate fled to Gibraltar with 52 men who had followed him in his attempt to bring freedom and democracy to Spain; by means of a new constitution, based on the liberty of the individual. An envoy from Madrid visited the Rock to assure them of a fair hearing in Malaga. They travelled to Malaga province, (landing on the beach of El Charcon) where they were immediately arrested. Nine days later (11th Dec) Torrijos and 48 of his fellow survivors were shot without trial on the beach of San Andres de Malaga. The City of Malaga erected a monument to Torrijos and his companions in the middle of the Plaza de la Merced under which are the tombs of 48 of the 49 men shot. One, Irishman Robert Boyd, from Londonderry, who was financier of the expedition, is buried in Malaga’s English Cemetery.
11 Dec 1866 - Bland's Hercules made her first voyage to Tangier.
11 Dec 1915 – There was an inspection of Gibraltar Volunteer Corps at Alameda by H.E.
11 Dec 1940 – Faced with Franco’s continued refusal to cooperate, Hitler ordered an end to all preparations for Operation Felix, the assault on Gibraltar.
11 Dec 1941 – Whilst trying to enter the Mediterranean, U208 was sunk off Gibraltar by the corvette HMS Bluebell.
11 Dec 1941 – A torpedo from U-374 hit the anti-submarine trawler Lady Shirley in the Strait at 0421; she then exploded and sank at 35.59N, 5.17W. Her captain Lt. Cdr. AH Callaway and crew of 33 were lost with their ship. The armed yacht HMY Rosabelle, Lt Hercules S Findlay, tried to locate the U-boat but was herself torpedoed at 0442, also by U-374 and sank within 30 seconds, in the same spot, with the loss of her commander, 2 officers and 27 ratings. Her 12 survivors, 3 officers and 9 ratings, were rescued by another armed yacht HMY Sayonara, (Cdr. HG Gorton Rtd.) and landed in Gibraltar. Both the armed yachts were engaged in contraband control, usually employed in boarding Spanish and other neutral vessels. U-374 was herself torpedoed by HMS Unbeaten on 12th January 1942.
11 Dec 1974 – The Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned was consecrated.
11 Dec 2003 – The Royal Society of St George has called for Gibraltar to be awarded the George Medal, as were the people of Malta after WW2. Andy Smith who serves on the society’s governing council was quoted at a recent meeting; “in recognition of the spirit of resistance and loyalty to Britain shown by successive generations of Gibraltarians over the centuries. Gibraltar has defied Britain’s enemies, whether from France, Spain or Germany, throughout the last three centuries and we in the society believe that the Rock should be Gibraltar GC”. It didn’t happen.
12 Dec 1796 – Great storm
12 Dec 1872 - The derelict Mary Celeste was brought into Gibraltar by the Brig Dei Gratia. The salvage was notorious in that the vessel was found to be in good order, sails set, a meal laid and yet no one on board. Some spots of blood were reportedly found on deck (but they may have been rust). No satisfactory explanation has ever been forthcoming and nothing has been heard of the Captain, his wife or the crew.
12 Dec 1883 - Fire broke out in Manuel Verano's paint shop in Waterport Street.
12 Dec 1911 – The P&O Liner Delhi, built in 1905, was lost at Cape Spartel at the western entrance to the strait; she ran aground in thick fog and heavy seas and her lifeboats were smashed. Three warships responded to her CQD radio distress call. HMS London, Duke of Edinburgh and Friant were assisted by the Gibraltar Lifeboat in rescuing the 100 passengers. The Captain of the Port, Commander William Niles, volunteered to cox the lifeboat as he had previous experience as coxswain of the Cardigan lifeboat. Because of the weather it took five days to complete the rescue as many warships’ boats were swamped and the Gibraltar boat was stove-in and half filled with water. Three French sailors were lost in a separate rescue attempt. Several Board of Trade silver lifesaving medals were awarded, including Commander Niles.
12 Dec 1914 - Dinner was given by Chamber of Commerce to Capt. Glossop and Officers of HMS Sydney to mark the service rendered in sinking the German cruiser Emden at Cocos Island.
12 Dec 1933 – Golden jubilee of the arrival of the Little Sisters of the Poor.
12 Dec 1934 – A farewell present was given to Major G.H. Teall, DSO, Secretary of the Garrison Library and Editor of the Gibraltar Chronicle, from staff of both establishments.
12 Dec 1936 – H.M. King George the VI was proclaimed at Government House. A congratulatory telegram was sent by H.E. the Governor.
12 Dec 1936 – Three taxi drivers were detained in Main Street for creating a disturbance in favour of communism. They were arrested and punished.
12 Dec 1943 – HMS Tynedale was sunk at 37-15N, 6-00E, north of Bougie, Algeria, by a torpedo from U 593, whilst escorting UK/North Africa convoy KMS 34.
12 Dec 1984 - Chief Minister Joshua Hassan, had a 62 point 4 page spread in the Chronicle explaining, in both English and Spanish, how the HoA; “Welcomes the Agreement reached between the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the Spanish Foreign Minister, in Brussels on the 27th November 1984”. That Foreign Sec. was Sir (later Lord) Geoffrey Howe, who in his 1994 book Conflict of Loyalty, describes his back-stabbing Maggie Thatcher (with Tristam Garel Jones) and says “after 15 rough months negotiating we signed an agreement for re-opening the land border and laid the way for talks about sovereignty of the Colony”. The co-signature was Fernando Moran.
12 Dec 2000 - LST-325 (Landing Ship Tank) departed Gibraltar for Mobile Alabama. The vessel, designed to land tanks, personnel & other equipment direct onto the beach through bow doors is of WW2 vintage having taken part in landings at Salerno and is destined for a Mobile museum. The 29 US veterans crew expect to complete their 4,350 mile journey by Jan 12th. Despite safety equipment installed at Gib, US Coast Guards have expressed concern about both the age & condition of the vessel and the Atlantic weather this time of year. (They arrived off Mobile, safely, on January 9th)
12 Dec 2001 – A Census was conducted. By current standards the results should be available in several years time.
12 Dec 2002 – Reports in the Madrid daily, La Razon, state that the Spanish Secret Service have announced that the MoD has secretly installed a small nuclear reactor within the Rock, apparently to provide electricity when Spain cut the supply. There is also a nuclear fuel store, containing enriched uranium - they say - to replenish both this reactor and visiting nuclear submarines. In addition, the 1500 word article continues, Gibraltar contaminates the bay with 4 million tonnes of toxic waste each year. Either someone is having El Razon on, or the Spanish SS is spectacularly dim. Whichever, the MoD described the stories as nonsense… but are they any more credible than the Spanish Secret Service?
12 Dec 2009 – Miss Gibraltar, Kaiane Aldorino, won the title Miss World at Johannesburg her homecoming five days later was a major public event.
13 Dec 1864 - Five drowned in the stream at the Orange Grove.
13 Dec 1911 - The P&O Delhi was stranded at Cape Spartel; where many victims of Battle of Trafalgar once washed ashore. Amongst the passengers were HRH Princess Royal, the Duke and Princess Alexandra and Princess Maud of Fife. The rescue of passengers and crew was gallantly effected by the pinnace of the French cruiser Friant, at the cost of the lives of three French sailors. The Gibraltar lifeboat Royal Oak, under Commander Niles, Captain of the Port, HMS London and HMS Duke of Edinburgh attended.
13 Dec 1943 - City Councillors, led by Chairman PG Russo, inspected the newly completed potable water reservoir (No.7) which had cost £10,900. The workmen were granted a holiday.
13 Dec 2002 – Friday the 13th saw a return visit by HMS Tireless, the submarine that had previously been our guest for 12 months whilst repairs to her nuclear reactor cooling system were completed alongside South Mole (unbelievable but true). This time she made a routine call to conduct Bay Transfers only… and did not dock… perhaps just as well, eh?
14 Dec 1796 - Highest rainfall recorded in one day; 9.13 inches.
14 Dec 1865 - The first Sanitary Commissioners were appointed.
14 Dec 1932 – Snr. Don Antonio Canovas recognized as Spanish Consul General.
14 Dec 1941 – Convoy HG 76 left for Cape Town escorted by HMS Stork, Capn FG Walker and 17 other warships. For ten days they ran the gauntlet of waiting German U-boats.
14 Dec 1955 – This day, Spain was admitted to membership of the U.N. To quote the New York Times: “Now esteemed by the West, Franco was able in 1955 to have his nation admitted to the United Nations, which had expressly barred Spain in 1946 in a resolution asserting that; in origin, nature, structure and general conduct, the Franco regime is a Fascist regime, patterned on, and established largely as a result of aid received from Hitler’s Nazi Germany and Mussolini’s Fascist Italy.”
14 Dec 1982 – The Chronicle reports “Spain is to open her pedestrian gate with Gibraltar on the stroke of midnight tonight, bringing to an end 13 years of siege”… and they did. The stated wish of the Gibraltar Government was that the gates be opened at 6.00 am and closed at 1.00am, so the matter rests with the British government. Just a few hours before the opening the British said that they were happy with 24 hours. Accordingly their gates will remain open 24 hours or whatever the Spaniards choose. The first Gibraltarian to cross the re-opened frontier into Spain was Carmen Ward (42) who said; ‘I’m glad to be back just to see my family again.’ Around 1000 people stood on each side of the border which had been sealed by Franco in 1969. Angel Fernandez, a Spanish worker, who had waited since lunchtime at the gate said; ‘I haven’t seen my brother in law since they closed the gate… I’m glad we can spend Christmas together… but it will be very complicated to cross back and forth with all these restrictions. Gibraltar and the area on our side have always been political tools.’ This new opening is limited to Spanish or Gibraltarian pedestrians – effectively banning tourists – and they will be allowed to pass only once a day in either direction. ‘We were very satisfied to hear the news’ said Juan Carmona de Cozar, Mayor of La Linea… ‘It is the kind of response we had hoped for.’ The Spanish government described the opening as a humanitarian gesture, whereas in fact they were forced into it, as a pre-condition to allowing them to join the European Union.
15 Dec 1758 – The House of Commons approved the grant of: “£623,704 for the forces and garrisons in the Plantations and Gibraltar and for provisions for the garrisons in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Gibraltar and Providence.” (Universal Magazine of Knowledge) This was up from £2346, 420 in May 1755.
15 Dec 1845 - A convict was sentenced to death for killing his overseer
15 Dec 1873 - A memo was sent by the Exchange Committee, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, praying that ‘inhabitants may be allowed to peruse and consider legal enactments before becoming law.’ H.E. replied on the 4th February 1874 with a copy of the despatch from the Secretary of State that; ‘it would be inconvenient to allow provisions of an Order in Council to be published before it became law and acceding to the petition so far as ordinary cases were concerned.’
15 Dec 1930 - A branch of the RNIB was founded in Gibraltar.
15 Dec 1936 – A Revenue Order and Market Rules were published.
15 Dec 1936 – The death occurred of Mr Thomas Mannion.
15 Dec 1941 - The SS Empire Barracuda, 4,972 grt, launched Oct 1918, whilst on passage from Gibraltar to Capetown (round the outside) was torpedoed by U-77, Heinrich Schonder, and sunk off the Moroccan coast beyond Tangier at 35 30' N. 06 17' W. Nine crew members and four DEMS gunners were killed. 38 crew members and 1 DEMS gunner were rescued by HMS Coltsfoot and landed at Gibraltar. Barracuda had been equipped with 1x 4,7" gun and 8x machine guns. (DEMS = Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship)
15 Dec 1941 – U 127 was depth charged, west of Cape St Vincent, by HMAS Nestor.
15 Dec 1942 – Liberator AL 513 made a forced landing (during a ferry flight) 15Km North of Rota in Spain; obliging the crew to destroy the aircraft.
15 Dec 1982 – There was a partial re-opening of the Spanish frontier - closed since 1969 - but for pedestrians only. Who might cross was restricted to residents of Gibraltar and La Linea only. A day earlier, the Spaniards had sent a team to remove the two (10cms) layers of tarmac which had been laid in the intervening years. The Spaniards intended to keep the gates fully open 24 hours a day, whilst Gibraltar decided to close them from 0100 t0 0600 daily. The F&CO decided to over-rule the Gibraltar authorities and keep the gate open 24/7.
It was only later, on the 5th February 1985 that the frontier was opened to vehicular traffic and things started to return to normal. Well… as normal as it has been since.
15 Dec 2002 – Two ships collided this afternoon as the container ship Western Haven left the Port of Algeciras and struck the Selma Kosan, who was at anchor. There were no injuries and little damage was occasioned. The Western Haven experienced engine problems and was unable to avoid the collision. The Spanish government minimised the importance of the collision.
16 Dec 1837 – William IV… ‘His Majesty has approved of the 12th, 39th, 56th and 58th Regiments which have been permitted to bear the word ‘Gibraltar’ on their colours and appointments in commemoration of their distinguished gallantry in the defence of Gibraltar in the year 1782, bearing also the “Castle and Key” being part of the armorial bearings of that fortress, together with the motto ‘Montis Insignia Calpe.’
16 Dec 1845 – The arrival of five Loreto sisters on board the SS Royal Tar.
16 Dec 1861 – A major scandal emerged within the 2nd
Battalion the 7th Fusiliers, after a series of robberies had
continued for some months. ‘Scarcely an officer of the regiment but had more or
less suffered from this depredation; watches, rings, trinkets, purses and plate
had disappeared from the officers quarters.’ Servants had been dismissed on
suspicion, yet the thefts continued. The officers formed a committee and
searched the barracks, commencing with their own rooms. On proceeding to the
quarters of Ensign Loveridge, they found in a few minutes, the whole of the
missing property amounting to the value of no less than £300. Loveridge now
faces a Court Marshall.
16 Dec 1865 - Sanitary Commissioners held their first meeting.
16 Dec 1890 - Three coal-heavers, jailed for intimidating fellow workers, received a three months sentence. They had to be escorted to the Civil Prison by a detachment of troops and the Riot Act was read.
16 Dec 1936 – Today saw the sixth triennial City Council elections, 3,202 votes (76.45%) were recorded and the results were as follows:
Mr A.J. Baldorino (1597) Mr A.E. Huart (1681) Mr C.T. Pou (1722) Mr P.G. Russo (1689) elected. (Maybe it’s me… but those votes add up to 6,689)
16 Dec 1937 – (Sp Civ War) HMS Hotspur, an H Class destroyer built by Scotts of Greenock and launched in March 1936, arrived in Gibraltar from patrolling the Spanish coast enforcing the Non-Intervention policy. She entered the dry dock for an overhaul which was completed on 17 January 1938. She survived the war and was finally scrapped in 1972.
16 Dec 1941 – The minelayer Manxman arrived at Gibraltar from the UK carrying depth charge replenishments. She departed next day returning to Milford Haven.
16 Dec 1941 – Fairey Swordfish aircraft, based at North Front, damaged U-569 and U-423 as they attempted to navigate at night, through the Strait and into the Med. Both submarines returned to France for repair.
16 Dec 2003 – Spain and Morocco today announced their intention to construct a 39Km rail tunnel, some 300 metres beneath the Strait. The tunnel from Punta Palomas (40Km W of the Rock) to Punta Malabata, near Tangier, exploits the narrowest and shallowest possible path. Morocco and Spain have agreed a 3 year working plan with a budget of 27M Euros, 4/5ths of which will be spent on seismic testing to determine the best drilling route.
16 Dec 2006 - The first passenger carrying Iberia aircraft landed at Gibraltar flying directly from Madrid and a daily scheduled service started. The service was later reduced in frequency and terminated in September 2008.
17 Dec 1781 - (Gt Siege) 10 men of the guard were injured when a shell entered the Queen's Road Cave.
17 Dec 1847 – HMS Avenger, frigate, sailed from Gibraltar for Malta but on the 20th she ran onto the Sorelle Rocks, near Malta, and only 8 of her 250 crew survived.
17 Dec 1868 - Presentation of colours to the 28th Regt. (Gloucestershire Regiment)
17 Dec 1913 – The sudden death occurred of Sir Henry Rawlins Pipon-Scholes, Chief Justice Gibraltar.
17 Dec 1919 - Publication of thanks conveyed to HE for generous and loyal response made by inhabitants of Gibraltar to the Prince of Wales National Fund: £2,365/0/11 was collected.
17 Dec 1930 – Saw the fourth Triennial Elections to the City Council.
17 Dec 1936 – The annual prize giving was held at Brympton School, attended by H.E. and Lady Harington.
17 Dec 1941 – U 131 was depth charged off Cape St Vincent by HMS Stanley, Exmoor, Blakeney and the sloop HMS Stork and corvette HMS Penstemon and RAF aircraft.
17 Dec 1967 - The United Nations Organisation (UNO) refused to recognise the validity of the (10th Sep) referendum in Gibraltar.
17 Dec 1968 - A year later a first day cover was produced, designed by Leopoldo Sanguinetti, which stated: “UNO Denies Human Rights to Gibraltar, 17th Dec 1967.” It accompanied postage stamps designed by Freddy Ryman denoting 1968 as the Human Rights International Year.
17 Dec 1996 - The GSD Government of Gibraltar made a proposal for joint use of the airport.
17 Dec 2002 – The General Elliot, in service as the Port Launch from 1940s – 2000, was sunk in Little Bay today as part of the on-going artificial reef project. The last owners were Cammel Laird who handed her over to become the latest vessel to form part of the reef. She was towed into place by the Sunswale, under Capt John Stanley then sunk alongside her sister ship Admiral Rooke, which became part of the reef in the early 90s.
17 Dec 2009 –The ferry service between Gibraltar and Algeciras was restarted. It didn’t last long…. but closed due to lack of demand.
18 Dec 1796 – HMS Courageux was lost by shipwreck on Apes Hill, Barbary Coast (now Monte Hacho, Ceuta) with the loss of 470 lives.
18 Dec 1874 - An iron chest was found in the Cathedral Garden.
18 Dec 1931 – The death occurred of Mr Isidore Galluli, Head Printer of the Garrison Library printing department and helper to successive Editors of this directory.
18 Dec 1933 – Exceptionally cold weather was experienced with a minimum of 15’ of frost on grass being recorded. This had not been felt for very many years past.
18 Dec 1933 - A daughter was born to Mr and Mrs K Bulchand, this being only the second occasion on which an Indian child had been born in Gibraltar since the first Indian subjects arrived in 1875. The first birth a year beforehand, was a son to the same parents.
18 Dec 1936 – The death occurred in England of Col. A.F.V. Jarrett, R.A.
18 Dec 1939 – (WW2) A Junkers JU 52 Trimotor, Reg. M-CABA and christened Sanjurjo, operated by Iberia was shot down at 0815 by anti-aircraft fire from Gibraltar in the mistaken belief that it was a Luftwaffe bomber. The Germans used large numbers of JU 52s in WW2. The aircraft had been en route from Tetuan to Seville flying at 1500 feet and crashed into the sea off Ceuta some 10Km south of Punta Carnero. Rescuers arrived on the scene at 0840 local time but no survivors were found. Three crew and seven passengers were killed.
18 Dec 1941 – U 434 was depth charged SW of Cape St Vincent by HMS Blakeney and HMS Stanley. HMS Stanley was sunk in the Atlantic the following day by one torpedo from U 574, at 38.00N 17.00W, whilst escorting Gibraltar - UK convoy HG 76.
18 Dec 1941 – During the night, Swordfish aircraft of 812 Sqdn. N. Front, sank U-451 and damage U-202 as they attempted to navigate the Strait into the Med. U-202 was forced to return to France for repair.
18 Dec 1942 – HMS Partridge was sunk by one torpedo from U 565, at 36-00N, 1-30W, west of Oran, Algeria, whilst with Force H on anti-submarine sweep.
18 Dec 1968 – The UN urged Britain to end Gibraltar’s Colonial status by 1969.
19 Dec 1802 – A strong easterly storm containing large hailstones hit Gibraltar sinking several ships including a Moorish sloop. A Spanish polacre sank off Europa point and sixteen persons on board were lost. A British brig, an American brig, an American schooner and a Portuguese frigate were all driven ashore in the Bay.
19 Dec 1861 - Official information received that Albert, Prince Consort had died; the public were directed to go into mourning until 9/2/1862.
19 Dec 1883 - The bark Ermer ran ashore on Eastern Beach.
19 Dec 1926 - The body of a newly born baby was found in College Lane. The inquest returned a verdict of murder by unknown persons. A reward of £50 was offered by the Colonial Government, but no arrests were made.
19 Dec 1934 - Armed attempt to rob Mr James Pratt's chemist shop; two Spaniards involved were arrested.
19 Dec 1936 – A Mediterranean Racing Club meeting was held.
19 Dec 1942 – An RAF Handley Page HP54 Harrow, Reg. K7011, flying from Portreath N.I. to Gibraltar, disappeared whilst crossing the Bay of Biscay. The aircraft crashed into the sea off the Spanish coast in unknown circumstances. None of the 11 persons on board survived.
19 Dec 1965 – The 1st Spanish ‘Red Book’ was published; the unofficial version was called ‘Documentos sobre Gibraltar’ and was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (or more correctly The Minister of The Foreign Affair) to the Spanish Cortes.
19 Dec 2002 – Divers filming a BBC documentary have relocated the 22,000 ton aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, sunk on November 14th 1941. She is lying in 3,500 feet of water, just 30 miles east from the Rock, where the German submarine U-81 torpedoed her (a single torpedo) as she returned from ferrying aircraft to Malta.
19 Dec 2003 – With the registration of the Navigator, 12,904 GRT, the Gibraltar Ship Registry hit the milestone one Million tons GRT since becoming a Class 1 Registry. There are now 160 vessels on the register many coming direct from the builder’s yard.
20 Dec 1845 - The execution took place of William Cole, Gunner, R.A. who was hanged near the Dutch Magazine at New Mole Parade.
20 Dec 1882 - Lord Kimberley, Sec. of State for the Colonies, telegraphed to H.E. Lord Napier, that the Colonial Secretary and the Chief of Police could not be permitted to return to office and passing severe censure on the acting Police Magistrate in connection with having handed over to Spanish authorities Jose Maceo and other persons, Spanish political prisoners seeking refuge in Gibraltar, without having the right to do so. Maceo was subsequently liberated by the Spanish Government at the request of the British Government and was then interned on parole at Port Mahon, in February 1884.
20 Dec 1917 - Very cold weather; the surrounding mountains in Spain were covered with snow and snow fell on the upper Rock at the Signal Station, now Top of Rock restaurant.
20 Dec 1924 – The publication of a City Council report on housing shortage and suggestions for remedies.
20 Dec 1925 – There was a violent gale of wind reaching 65 miles per hour.
20 Dec 1929 - HE Gen Sir Alexander Godley laid the foundation stone of the first tenement building to be constructed under the Gibraltar Housing Scheme, at Flat Bastion Road, next to Charles V Wall. It was completed 28th Oct 1930.
20 Dec 1933 – The fifth triennial elections to the City Council were held.
20 Dec 1936 – The Garrison beat Civilians at an Our Day football match.
20 Dec 1973 - Spanish (Falangist) Prime Minister Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco was killed when a bomb hidden in a tunnel exploded as his car passed over. His car was blown clear over a row of houses. There were few tears shed in Gibraltar.
20 Dec 1999 - Delivery of new Port Launch General Eliott II, a Talisman 49 built by Halmatic, as a replacement for the Samarang (bought in 1948) which is to be converted to oil pollution duties. A further Salvamar type fast rescue launch will be delivered shortly.
20 Dec 2002 – Miguel Ruiz Jimenez, 32, a Spanish resident of Gibraltar, died today when his motor scooter was in collision with a taxi in Line Wall, opposite Irish Steps.
21 Dec Every- Today is the Feast day of St Thomas the Apostle, patron saint of Portugal & of architects.
21 Dec 1755 – A major earthquake in Lisbon, Portugal, killed over 300 people and resulted in a large sea wave.
21 Dec 1881 – A coffin containing human remains was found at Europa Main Road Tank.
21 Dec 1893 – Today saw the re-opening of the Theatre Royal.
21 Dec 1910 – The first Catholic Bishop, Right Rev Thomson, was enthroned on The Rock.
21 Dec 1915 – A new Catholic school was opened, to accommodate 500 pupils (St Mary's School, Prince Edwards Road) and was handed over to Bishop Thompson by H.E. the Governor.
21 Dec 1919 - The German steamer, Arta, became the first to arrive in Gibraltar since the outbreak of war in 1914.
21 Dec 1927 – The third triennial election of City Councillors was held.
21 Dec 1934 – During the year 1934, no less than 49 Ordinances were enacted in addition to many rules in connection with the revised edition of The Laws of Gibraltar.
21 Dec 1936 – The British S.S. Huntsman was towed into Gibraltar by salvage steamers Rescue (Liverpool & Glasgow Salvage Assoc.) and Geir (Svitzer) after suffering engine trouble.
21 Dec 1941 – U 451 was sunk off Tangier on the night of 21 Dec 1941, by a Fairey Swordfish Mk I, V4431, flying from 812 Naval Air Squadron, RNAS North Front. U-451 was first detected by Air-to-Surface radar (ASV) at a range of 3.5 miles and about 18 miles NW of Cape Spartel. 'The Swordfish closed the contact and sighted the U-boat on the surface steering to the eastward. Three depth charges were dropped ahead of the U-boat and across her bows. The centre depth charge of the stick, set at 25 feet, exploded immediately under the U-boat, which was not seen again. The details of the U-boats disappearance could not be observed as U-451 was enveloped in the spray of the depth charge explosions. Two large oil patches were seen, each 300 yards in diameter.' The sole surviving crew member, Oberleutnant zur See (Lieut.) Walter Kohler, stated that he was on the bridge with three ratings at the time of the attack, and that the noise of the diesel engines obscured the sound of the attacking aircraft until the moment of weapons release. He was unable to get inside the vessel before the hatch was closed. He stated 'that the U-boat sank bow down. The prisoner flung himself into the water and swum for an hour and a half before he was picked up by a flower class corvette HMS Myosotis.
21 Dec 1942 - Cableship Marie Louise Mackay (Swan Hunter 1922) affectionately known as the Maria, departed Gibraltar escorted by anti submarine trawler Arctic Ranger to carry out repairs to the Gibraltar - Lisbon N0 3 cable.
21 Dec 2004 – A Panorama headline announced: ‘Keys are handed over, by CM Peter Caruana to Min Ernest Britto, to the new £55M hospital at Europort.’ People in the know say the actual cost was more than twice that amount, but that is yet to be confirmed. Worse, there is a body of opinion which suggests that the reason for converting this office block, rather than building from scratch, was to reduce the glut of office accommodation which has been holding rentals down, affecting the incomes of le gente del pish.
22 Dec 1805 – HMS Victory set sail from Gibraltar carrying the body of Nelson preserved in a barrel of spirits of wine. (Brandy)
22 Dec 1822 – The sloop of war, Racehorse, Captain Hon. C Abbott, on passage from Smyrna, left Gibraltar for Portsmouth to be paid off. She arrived safely. Racehorse had suffered a bad, tempestuous passage of three weeks from Malta to the Rock at which place, on the 26th, about fifty vessels were driven ashore on the lines, of which several were lost. (London Gazette 26th)
22 Dec 1858 - Pillar letterboxes were first erected in Gibraltar.
22 Dec 1870 – There was a total eclipse of the sun, poetically described by a Chronicle correspondent: ‘As the moment of totality approached, and the moon’s shadow, perceptibly travelling from west to east across the sun’s disc, veiled his light more and more, earth and sky began to assume a weird unnatural aspect, and the effect was so solemn and fascinating that it was with painful anxiety one saw one of the dense clouds, with which the sky was largely covered, moving speedily from the west in the direction of the sun and threatening to hide the whole phenomenon.’
22 Dec 1924 - First motor vehicle plied for hire as a taxi.
22 Dec 1931 - Official visit by HE Gen Don Leopoldo Ruiz Trillo, the representative of the President of the (new) Spanish Republic to H.E. the Governor.
23 Dec 1931 – Terrific gale accompanied by rain, thunder and lightning. The electric light failed in La Linea and the following day a horse and cab were blown over the inundation.
23 Dec 1936 – Ordinance No. 6/1936 (Fees Collection) was enacted.
23 Dec 1936 – Ptas.12,000 was distributed amongst the Gibraltar Poor by Our Day fund.
23 Dec 1941 – The cable ship Mirror departed the Rock, escorted by corvette Coltsfoot, to cut a communications cable in the Azores area.
22 Dec 1961 – The Daily Express reports: ‘The British Army will quit the
Rock after occupying it for 257 years. Troops will be brought home from
Gibraltar to swell the mobile reserve, and the Navy will take over control of Gibraltar. The Rock would remain an important Royal Air
Force base.’
22 Dec 1963 – The Ormos Shipping Company (Greek Line) owned liner TSMS Lakonia caught fire and sank, 180 miles north of Madeira. The fire started with an electrical fault in the hair salon and survivors report the fire alarm sounded much too softly so many of the passengers didn’t hear it and died in their cabins. The ship was apparently very poorly maintained which contributed to the loss of life. 58 dead were brought to Gibraltar and buried here after autopsies held in the cavern workshop of the 1st Fortress Sqdn, Royal Engineers. The Captain, 1St Officer and ship’s Security Officer were charged with gross negligence and five other officers with simple negligence.
23 Dec 1855 – There was a heavy rainfall of 6 inches.
23 Dec 1923 – Today saw the start of the Treaty to establish international administration (under British, French & Spanish) for the City of Tangier. Negotiation of details would continue until Jan 1929.
23 Dec 1932 – Dr. AA Russo and Dr. J.J. Giraldi appointed Port Surgeon and Deputy Port Surgeon, respectively.
23 Dec 1942 – A P-38 aircraft 12610 (82nd FG 97th FS) whilst flying with 50 other P-38s from RAF St Eval, Cornwall to Gibraltar and then to North Africa, the pilot ran out of fuel and was forced to make an emergency landing in La Linea, amongst the pillboxes.
23 Dec 1977 - Telephonic communications with Spain were restored.
23 Dec 2005 – The severe weather affecting Gibraltar has been described as ‘Scary’ by CM Peter Caruana, who today visited Both Worlds where the waves have destroyed the beach access and the balcony of the southernmost flat. The heavy swell has taken three large chunks out the sea defences at Harbour Views promenade, resulting in its closure until repairs have been effected. The Europlaza block was inundated, the entrance facing the sea was flooded. Some of the fixed concrete picnic tables at Camp Bay now lie buried under rocks washed up by the sea.
24 Dec 1707 – The first British governor appointed directly by Queen Anne was Colonel Roger Elliott; who took up residence in the Convent of Franciscan Friars. His tenure was to last until June 1711 when he handed over to Brigadier General Thomas Stanwix. The English Tory government covertly instructed Stanwix to expel any foreign (non British) troops to foster Britain’s sole rights to Gibraltar. Although he answered positively, he allowed a Dutch regiment to stay; it remained here until March 1713.
24 Dec 1802 - Troops mutinied against the severity of the rule of Duke of Kent, Gibraltar's only Royal Governor. The Duke had reduced the number of wine and spirit houses from 90 to 40 and exacted severe discipline. The mutiny was quelled in less than an hour. Two days later another regiment broke out in mutiny but that too was soon quelled. Three soldiers concerned in the riot were shot, at the Red Sands, on the 4th January 1803, in the presence of the entire garrison.
24 Dec 1888 - Joseph Xerri shot Amabili Spiteri in Rodgers Ramp.
24 Dec 1896 – Blasting operations at the Admiralty Quarry resulted in a stone weighing over a ton being blown through the roof of the army canteen at Catalan Bay. Two soldiers were injured and one died. Another large stone caused damage to Our Lady of Sorrows, killing a Gibraltarian and injuring a Spaniard. The inquest revealed that a 500lb blasting charge had been used.
24 Dec 1922 – The death occurred of Crimean veteran Mr David H Ryan.
25 Dec 1821 - The bark Resolution was stranded off the King's Bastion. This vessel was 15 tons burden and had been operated as a privateer by Acting Governor Stanhope Cotton, with Captain David Barry and a crew of 32; she had been a very successful and profitable venture. The loss meant the Governor now had to rely on facilities charges, bribes, etc.
25 Dec 1933 - Tragic accident when 15 yr old Jose Aguis, passenger on a motor bus, leaned his head out of the window and it came into contact with the corner of the wall which juts out near the Wembley Stores in Main St. He was DoA at hospital.
26 Dec 1802 - More disorder amongst the troops against the rule of Duke of Kent.
26 Dec 1822 – A severe storm drove around 50 ships on shore at the Lines, several of which were totally lost. The Independent Buenos Ayres frigate Heroine, commanded by Colonel Mason, had arrived here to refit, having five feet of water in the hold. During her cruise on the coast of Spain, she had captured a Spanish man-of-war brig and sent her in to Buenos Ayres. A Portuguese frigate was cruising against the Algerines; the treaty having expired, the Portuguese dared not to renew it, by withholding the customary tribute to the Dey. The American frigate Constitution, Commodore James, with the Ontario sloop of war in company, had left Gibraltar for Minorca.
26 Dec 1822 - The Earl of Chatham has been in good health since he took the command of Gibraltar – General Don having removed to San Roque. (London Gazette)
26 Dec 1849 - Start of Boxing Day as a public holiday; first weekday after Christmas on which Christmas boxes would be given.
26 Dec 1878 – The opening of a Grand Bazaar, on behalf of the SHJ church.
26 Dec 1884 – Repeated (earthquake) shocks in southern Spain caused 2000 deaths.
26 Dec 1936 – The Gibraltar Jockey Club Races were held.
26 Dec 1936 – The 26th Annual Christmas tree at St John of God’s Orphanage by Messrs F.T. Gordon and B.R. Miles.
26 Dec 1996 – The Stay-Behind-Cave of wartime Operation Tracer was discovered by John Paul Latin, Richard Durrell and members of the Gibraltar Caving Group. Tracer had been designed for intelligence gathering should the Rock fall into enemy hands and involved six volunteers incarcerated in a well-hidden secret location, observing and reporting by radio.
27 Dec 1722 – An earthquake devastated the southern coast of Portugal. The sea was extremely agitated and there was great destruction.
27 Dec 1845 – Today saw the execution of Thomas Anson, who was hanged at the Camber.
27 Dec 1858 – The appointment of a commission of inquiry was established to investigate abuse of power in the Police establishment.
27 Dec 1899 - Field Marshal Lord Roberts and Gen Lord Kitchener departed for the Cape in the Dunottar Castle.
27 Dec 1932 – The First Lord of the Admiralty and Lady and Miss Monsell, arrived for a short stay. They left on 2nd January.
28 Dec 1869 – Saw the termination of Hope's Case, which had lasted 11 months.
28 Dec 1917 - Ice, half an inch thick, formed in the Dockyard.
28 Dec 1930 - Motor car licences started at £1.
28 Dec 1936 – Ordinance No. 7/1936 (Revenue Amendment) was enacted.
28 Dec 1936 – The death occurred of Mr Charles Lagares.
29 Dec 1781 - (Gt Siege) Baron Helmstadt, (sub-lieutenant in the Walloon Guard) a prisoner of war, who lost a leg in the storming of San Carlos, died this morning. His body, dressed in full uniform as is the Spanish custom was put in a coffin, draped in black cloth and conducted by a party of grenadiers (Governor and principal officer in solemn procession) to the New Mole where it was put in a boat; three volleys being fired over it. The corpse was conveyed under flag of truce to the bottom of the bay where a Spanish boat put out to receive it.
29 Dec 1887 - Collapse of a house known as ‘Jardin de Glyn’ due to part of a wall of Engineer House giving way, after heavy rain. About 100 people were rendered homeless.
29 Dec 1900 - Great welcome accorded to Field Marshal Earl Roberts on his arrival from Cape Town in the transport Canada. An address of welcome was presented to him in Commercial Square and there were illuminations at night.
29 Dec 1916 - Gibraltar War Relief Fund now totalled £12000 and the Colonial Secretary Mr WCF Robertson, released a letter to that effect in the local press next morning.
29 Dec 1935 – H.E. the Governor planted three trees (eucalyptus ficifolia) at the Alameda Gardens to commemorate H.M. King George Vth’s silver jubilee. Lt-Col the Hon. A.E. Beattie, Colonial Secretary, delivered an address.
29 Dec 1936 – Messrs J. Discombe and E.B. Cottrell were appointed City Councillors, as was Mr W.S. Gulloch (GoG) Cmdr G.A. Garnons-Williams (Lords of Admiralty) and Co. N.A. Fraser (Sec. of State for War) who were nominated for the City Council by H.E. the Governor. At the same time Major H.C. Beadon, RASC, was appointed member of the Markets Visiting Board.
29 Dec 1942 – The Philadelphia Enquirer reported: Madrid dispatches from La Linea said strong units of the British Navy, including aircraft carriers Furious, Victorious, and Argus, the battleships Nelson and Rodney, cruisers, destroyers, submarines and 30 merchant ships, were at Gibraltar, presumably ready to sail for North Africa. Sometimes it makes you wonder whose side the yanks were on.
29 Dec 2001 – French geologist Jacques Collinas-Girard announced plans to dive in the Strait during summer 2002. He is convinced that the legendary city of Atlantis lies in the Western approaches to the strait 20 miles SW of Tarifa, north of Cape Spartel. Some 20K years ago the land level was 400 feet lower than today. For the next 15K years the sea rose as the ice melted. When the thaw began there were seven islands at western end of the strait enclosing an inland sea with Atlantis at the centre. He was looking in the right area; it is now (2018) thought that Atlantis encompassed Donana and its immediate precincts.
30 Dec 1776 – There was a severe storm where over 50 persons perished in a great deluge in which the lower part of town was flooded.
30 Dec 1861 - Some 6" of rain fell in 48 hours causing the inundation to overflow and a landslip at the Rosia Gas Works.
30 Dec 1912 – Governor Sir Archibald Hunter published a government notice to come into effect New Years Day 1912. Landport entrance was to be closed to civilians because the passage of noisy crowds continually disturbed the privacy of soldiers in Casemates Barracks. Casemates, he stated, was a private parade ground allotted to those troops in the barracks. He insisted that civilians must use Waterport Gate. Furthermore dockyard workers were to be denied Main St after work and must use Reclamation Road to return to Spain. A storm of protest followed.
30 Dec 1936 – A Government Notice was issued re; Merchant Shipping (carriage of munitions to Spain) Act, 1936.
30 Dec 1938 – At around 1 am, The Spanish Republican Flagship Jose Luis Diez attempted to leave Gibraltar harbour under cover of darkness and slip past waiting Nationalist ships who engaged her off Europa Point. Eventually she was driven aground off Catalan Bay.
30 Dec 1963 – The Norwegian salvage tug Herkules arrived in Gibraltar having lost her tow, the burnt out wreck of the TSMS Lakonia, the previous day, when that vessel sank. The Greek liner Lakonia, on a cruise from Southampton to the Canaries, caught fire 180 miles north of Madeira, at 11pm on 22nd December. The fire spread rapidly and most of the passengers and crew took to the lifeboats; some passenger died in the fire or in their cabins. She was attended by two vessels saving many of the passengers. In all 58 persons died.
30 Dec 1964 – The educational cruise liner Devonia arrived in Gibraltar with 900 German students and 200 adults on board. The ex-Devonshire had been built for Liverpool’s Bibby Line and was fitted out as a troopship in 1939. After the war she was bought by the British India Steam Navigation Co. renamed Devonia and converted to an educational cruise ship. She was eventually scrapped in 1967.
31 Dec 1875 - The use of Spanish stamps was discontinued at the Post Office.
31 Dec 1915 - Guns from the Royal Garrison Artillery batteries on the Rock were fired just about midnight, engaging one or possibly three submarines, attempting to enter the harbour. The garrison believed that they had successfully destroyed one submarine, but this was never confirmed.
31 Dec 1928 – Local bank notes lettered B cease to be legal tender.
31 Dec 1932 - Opening of a new ward as an extension to the Colonial Hospital, it was named Godley Ward.
31 Dec 1933 – Departing from the old-established custom of addressing the inhabitants from Government House, HE the Governor, General Sir CH Harington delivered the New Year greetings earlier in the evening by means of broadcasting via loud speakers installed at Commercial Square.
31 Dec 1940 – William Donovan arrived from the UK and toured The Rock’s defences. ‘Wild Bill’ Donovan was a WW1 war hero, a close friend and confidant of President Franklin D Roosevelt and America’s spymaster. After visiting C (Stewart Menzies) at MI6 and naval intelligence he took Ian Fleming back to America with him to help set up the OSS, forerunner of the CIA. He is known today as the father of the CIA.
31 Dec 1959 - Port Development Scheme came into force.
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Dec 1813 – Authentic official document (respecting the importation of infection) by a Spanish physician: “The following is the mode in which, according to the nicest investigation, the fever was introduced into the garrison of Gibraltar, in this present year, 1813. On the 11th August a town xebeque, called the Fortune, whereof was master or patron, one Ludovico Bosana, alias Molta, arrived from Cadiz. One of the crew thereof being ill was sent to the Catholic hospital, and died on the 19th of the said month, with all the symptoms of the fever now prevalent, namely the yellow-fever. A Frenchman, native of Paris, died on the 3rd September, same year, in Governor’s Street near City Mill Lane, with the same symptoms as the former man, and who had also come as passenger on board the vessel before alluded to; and from the 3rd of September to the 11th of the same, nine persons died in the neighbourhood. On this day I observed, in the same district, two cases of the yellow-fever, which I instantly reported to Doctors Gilpin and Fraser, who consequently adopted the necessary precautions upon such alarming accidents. It is also asserted, that a gun boat the came in from Cadiz, about the beginning of August, has some of her crew put on board the prison ship San-Juan, who soon took the infection:- this fact will be better elucidated by the testimony of Surgeon Williams, of said prison ship.” (from the Edinburgh Medical & Surgical Journal; Exhibiting a concise view…. Vol. 10.)
Dec 1845 – A Garrison Order was issued prohibiting medical officers from practising mesmerism.
Dec 1869 - Inauguration of Sanitary Commissioners new Water Works.
Dec 1871 – The Captain of the Port laid the first stone of a Sailors Home.
Dec 1874 – Today saw the inauguration of a new illuminated clock-tower at Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned; a gift from Mr Pablo Larios.
Dec 1883 - The Armoury Grand Stores converted into Garrison Recreation Rooms, eventually to become the Inces Hall of today.
Dec 1896 - Accident during blasting at Catalan bay, 2 workmen were killed.
Dec 1915 - New Catholic School to accommodate 500 children was handed over to the Bishop by HE Governor; St Mary's First School, Prince Edwards Road.
Dec 1915 - The Gibraltar Volunteer Corps gave their first concert in the Garrison Recreation Rooms. (now Inces Hall)
Dec 1934 – The Spanish withdrew from the interior of Morocco in order to concentrate their forces on the coast. The retreat followed a series of military setbacks against the Rif Army under Abd Al-Karim.
Dec 1975 - The first edition of Panorama was published.
Dec 1989 - The Gibraltar Social Democrats (GSD) party formed.
Dec 1991 - The Gibraltar National Party (GNP) formed; it subsequently became the Liberal Party and is now embraced by the GSLP.
Dec 2001 – The old Prince of Wales Theatre at Bayside was demolished to make way for improved sporting facilities.
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