Jan

                                         

                                        GibraltarMonthly

January: 

  1 Jan 1857 – The Packet Agency and the Overland Post Office were amalgamated to form the Gibraltar Post Office thus ending the apparent confusion of two Post Offices in Gibraltar. In fact the (maritime) Packet Office was generally for official mail and the (unreliable) Overland PO had been for us poor people.

 1 Jan 1886 - GPO transferred from Imperial to Colonial Government.

 1^st Jan 1886 – Saw the enforcement of the Aliens Order in Council, 1885.

 1^st Jan 1903 - First meeting of Calpe Turf Club.

 1 Jan 1926 - Mr Alexander Mosley, CMG, created a knight bachelor by HM the King, an honour not bestowed on an inhabitant of Gibraltar for many years.

 1 Jan 1935 – The Gibraltar Chronicle was published with 5-column pages.

 1 Jan 1936 – The size of the Gibraltar Chronicle was increased to 4 pages (8 sides) and sold at 1d per copy.

 1 Jan 1936 – The New Years Honours list: Mr J Discombe, OBE.

 1 Jan 1936 – Mr KSJ Chamberlain was appointed Treasurer of the Gibraltar Jockey Club Race meeting.

 1 Jan 1952 – Coastal Command 269 Squadron was formed at North Front out of 224 Squadron, being granted all the oldest aircraft that 224 possessed, including one that was undergoing repairs after hitting the sea wall at Gibraltar when landing. 269 was to become a famous Shackleton Squadron but at that time Lancasters were being used for maritime patrols (after the lease-lend Liberators had been returned) until such time as Shackletons came on line. The squadron moved to Ballykelly (NI) on the 14^th March.

 1 Jan 1973 – Saw Gibraltar's entry into EEC with Britain; as per Treaty of Rome 227 94.

 1 Jan 1983 – From today people in Gibraltar will be able to apply for registration as full British Citizens for a fee of £5. The government plans to set up a unit at the old girls’ school opposite the Convent (Convent Place today) immediately after the New Year holiday, to deal with applications.

 1 Jan 1986 - Spain and Portugal joined the EEC, with their hands out ever since.

 1 Jan 2001 – Today saw the withdrawal of the employers' requirement to buy Social Insurance Stamps and append them to a card. From this day Social Insurance will be paid in the same manner as PAYE.

 1 Jan 2003 – Today the Spanish government is to withdraw the telephone access code 9567, which allows callers from Spain to ring Gibraltar. Since they still refuse to recognise our internationally agreed code 350, used by the rest of the world for 20 years, Spanish callers will no longer be able to dial Gibraltar direct. Indeed, 350 calls offered to Spain for onward transmission to Gibraltar continue to be dumped.

 1 Jan 2003 – It is now becoming clear that the change from Pesetas to Euros in Spain has resulted in across-the-board price hikes averaging 25%. Spain was lucky; decimalisation in Gibraltar and the UK caused prices to jump at least 30%, largely because of the greed of traders.

 1 Jan 2004 The Queen sent her “Warmest congratulations to the people of Gibraltar on the tercentenary”. Many people expressed surprise since HMG has been trying to give us away for the last twenty years.

 2 Jan 1492 – From the prologue to Columbus’ journal: “In Nomine Domini Nostri Jesu Christi. In this year of 1492, your majesties brought to an end the war against the remaining Moorish kingdom on European soil, terminating the campaign in the great city of Granada, where on January 2^nd this year I witnessed your majesties’ royal standards raised by force of arms on the Alhambra, the fortress of that city, and the Moorish King emerge from the gates to kiss your majesties’ hands and those of my lord, the Prince.”

 2 Jan 1714 - The British Engineer Jonas Moore listed 16 reasons for retaining the Mill and the Devil's Tower and the land they commanded in the neutral ground, both occupied by the British since 1709. Among the reasons he listed:

   (a) The need of Advance Guards to prevent surprise. 

   (b) The loss of fishing in the bay.

   (c) The loss of forage for horses in summer.

   (d) The loss of canes for repairing houses etc.

   (e) The loss of bush (fuel) for the Queen’s ovens.

   (f) The inconvenience to shipping that the loss of these two posts would cause, typically

    the use for careening and collection of brush for cleaning.

    (g) The loss of the wells in the area now called The Neutral Ground, which provided

    water for ships, thus preventing the sailors from coming into town and getting drunk.

    (h) The loss of fishing with nets between the mill & the bridge.

 His closing remarks were... “that all those securities and conveniences would continue still our own, if we had but what has been reckoned to belong to any garrison, viz. what is under the Command of our own Guns.”

(Much of the early argument about command of the area was based on the claim to command areas within the range of the guns of the fortress.)

 2 Jan 1782 – (Gt Sge) Mutton sold at a cob ($1.5) per pound.

 2 Jan 1914 - Ice formed to a depth of 1/8" to 1/2" in fresh water tanks etc.

 2 Jan 1918 - Nearly 8 inches of rain fell.

 2 Jan 1918 - Knighthood conferred on Chief Justice, Sir Bartle Frere.

 2 Jan 1934 – The New Years Honours included Mr HJ Norton, Jr. Asst. Secretary, Colonial Secretary’s office, who was made an MBE. Major HW Young, a former Colonial Secretary, received the KCMG.

 2 Jan 1958 – An Avro 652 Anson C.19, Reg. TX188, operated by the RAF, took off from North Front while on a local training mission. Shortly after take off the aircraft stalled and crashed into the sea. All four crew members were saved but the aircraft was lost. The cause was identified as loss of control during the initial climb following engine failure.

 3 Jan 1877 – A severe storm with torrents of rain resulting in waves breaking over the coal sheds at North Mole and 10 vessels being stranded or damaged.

 3 Jan 1882 - Gibraltar Savings Bank opened. 

 3 Jan 1883 - General Lord Napier of Magdala completed his tour as Governor and was replaced today by Sir John Miller Adye.

 3 Jan 1930 - News published that Mr James Andrews-Speed had been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

 3 Jan 1934 - A soldier of the Royal Welch Fusiliers escaped from the military prison but was recaptured by military police near to Governor’s Cottage.

 3 Jan 1989 - The UK Public Records Office was instructed to extend the normal 30 year limit on some documents concerning Spain by further 20 years (until 2009) and mark them Top Secret. So we will have to wait to confirm the truth about many underhanded dealings by the F&CO.

 4 Jan 1803 - Three of the ten ringleaders, convicted of mutiny against Edward Duke of Kent's severity, were shot at Grand Parade, in front of entire garrison.

 4 Jan 1878 - An extradition treaty between Britain and Spain was put in place; it excluded political prisoners and of course Gibraltar.

 4 Jan 1928 – Miss Mercedes Gleitze, attempting a record breaking swim across the Strait, covered 21 miles in just over 12 hours, but then had to give up just one mile from the shore. Expectant crowds watched from Spain and Gibraltar, when a wind sprang up generating a choppy sea and an intensely cold contrary current, forcing her to leave the water and abandon the attempt. She boarded a tug and sailed for Tangier, announcing that she would return to Gibraltar with the intention of immediately swimming the other way.

 4 Jan 1931 - The death occurred in London of HRH Princess Louise, the Princess Royal, (the younger sister of George Vth) who had visited Gibraltar on several occasions.

 4 Jan 2001 - The world's largest ocean racing catamaran Playstation, one of the favourites in The Race around the world which began in Barcelona on New Year's Eve is berthed alongside North Mole. She put into Gibraltar to replace a burst mainsail 500 miles into the race and now has to remain here for 48hrs as a penalty. Playstation is 125 feet long and capable of sustaining 30 knots average speeds.

 5 Jan 1795 - The Black Watch were awarded that regiment’s exclusive privilege of wearing the Red Hackle.

 5 Jan 1881 – The British steamer Nellie, of Whitby, arrived at Gibraltar where her master, Captain Douthwaite reported that at 5.30pm on the 3^rd the Chief Engineer had thrown himself overboard and had drowned.

 5 Jan 1890 - A United States Squadron arrived.

 5 Jan 1931 - Three inquests heard today... (who's?).

 5 Jan 1933 – Mr EP Griffin was appointed chairman of the City Council.

 5 Jan 1957 – The first Three Kings Cavalcade was held. The initiative came from the White Bomber and was organised in subsequent years by Gibraltar United Football Club.

 5 Jan 2001 - A 2nd competitor in The Race, Tony Bullimore's Team Legato, arrived in Gibraltar with a broken headboard car. A new item (flown in from Denmark) was fitted but the cat had to endure a 48 hour penalty before she could leave.

 5 Jan 2004 – This year’s Three Kings Cavalcade of eleven floats was provided with three camels (from circus visiting Los Barrios) for the first time in 25 years.

 6 Jan 1845 - American barque Joshua Emlyn was driven onshore and wrecked; she was on her way from Palermo, Sicily, to an American port.

 6 Jan 1856 - Heavy rainfall of some 5 inches was recorded.

 6 Jan 1935 - Historic meeting of 1st & 2nd battalions The Gordon Highlanders at Alameda Parade Ground, witnessed by thousands. Speeches were delivered by General Hamilton and H.E. the Governor.       

 7 Jan 1831 - The first population census was ordered... see 15th.

 7 Jan 1859 - Mr James Bell was appointed to act as Police Magistrate, for Mr SH Paget, suspended, and Inspector Thomas Armstrong to act as Chief Inspector of Police for Mr H Morgan, suspended. These appointments were subsequently confirmed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

 7 Jan 1889 - Luis Sanz was murdered near The Mount.

 7 Jan 1859 - A branch of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society was founded

 7 Jan 1926 - A Maltese subject charged with murder was handed over to the Spanish authorities on an extradition warrant.

 7 Jan 1930 - Lt-Col the Hon AE Beattie appointed Colonial Secretary.

 7 Jan 1943 – A star studded ENSA cast entertained the Navy and performed at the Theatre Royal for the military. The cast included Beatrice Lillie, Edith Evans, Elizabeth Welch, Phylis Stanley, Jeanne de Casalis, John Geilgud and Michael Wilding.

 7 Jan 2003 – Just before 5pm an unexploded shell was found by workers at the site of the old Naval Hospital, whilst excavating the courtyard. Close examination by ammunition technical officers revealed it to be 230mm (long) x 75 mm (dia) and excessively corroded, so a controlled explosion on site was arranged by the RAF Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team. Subsequent examination showed it was probably a 75mm fused practice round of WW2 vintage.

 8 Jan 1816 – HMS San Juan (previously HMS Berwick) was decommissioned after serving as a flagship, base hulk and from 1808 as a prison ship. Her life as man of war had been as the Spanish ‘Nave’ San Juan de Nepomuceno, flagship of Commodore Don Damian Churruca, captured at the Battle of Trafalgar. It is said that Churruca’s cabin was kept locked during her tenure in Gibraltar, as a mark of respect to a brave officer, who despite having his leg taken off by a canon ball, continued to command his ship – refusing to surrender - until death overtook him. One part of San Juan remains on the rock; a likeness of General Eliott was carved from her bowsprit and resides in the Convent patio to this day.

 8 Jan 1887 - Death in the monastery of Jesus, Maria y Jose at Medina Sidonia of Sister Maria Dolores Amor de Dios, better known to us as Simi Cohen, converted Jewess born in Gibraltar in 1801. Several miracles are attributed to her.

 8 Jan 1856 - A south-westerly hurricane struck Gibraltar.

 8 Jan 1891 - Shade temperature reached 33 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 degrees C.) one of the lowest recorded here.

 8 Jan 1891 – There was a fire at Messrs Levy & Son petroleum yard.

 8 Jan 1918 - Local bank notes "A" series exchanged for "B" series.

 8 Jan 1918 - The death occurred of Mr Albert Porral, CMG, ISO, in London.

 8 Jan 1936 – The arrival of a party of Public School boys, in the Orient Liner SS Orontes, were received at Government House by H.E. the Governor and Lady Harington.

 8 Jan 1941 - Lord Baden Powell, founder of Scouting, died.

 8 Jan 1944 – RAF Wellington aircraft R of 179 Sqdn. and Catalina aircraft J of 202 Sqdn. attacked U-343 in the Gibraltar Strait. In a fierce AA exchange, aircraft J was damaged and forced to leave. U-343 suffered battle damage as well.

 8 Jan 1946 - A forty-eight hour gale reaching hurricane intensity left a trail of destruction which included stripping the roofs from the newly occupied (3 weeks only) Glacis Road tenements, leaving sixteen families homeless. One workman died when he and 7 others were swept into the sea from Detached Mole. Catalan Bay was inundated. Some 23 lighters and barges were set adrift from their moorings in the Bay and 6 were blown ashore in Spain and the police were looking for three of five helmets blown off the heads of constables. Two ships and half a ship were driven on shore; the half ship being part of a vessel previously blown in half by a torpedo, some three years beforehand.

 8 Jan 1997 - Around 1630, Wed 8 Jan, there was a major cliff collapse at Camp Bay. The old disused tunnel entrance had been displaying the symptoms for some time and was the sub­ject of reports by local geologist Freddy Gomez, which had been ignored. Sustained heavy rain contributed to ground liquefaction, triggering the collapse.

 8 Jan 2004 – Panorama informed us that the 18, brand new, 29 seater buses costing £2M cannot be used legally on Gibraltar’s roads since they contravene current Traffic Regulations stipulating maximum vehicle size. In a typical Mediterranean solution the CM Peter Caruana decided to amend the Traffic Ordinance. (If the rules prevent you doing what you want, then change the rules) The CM would call it pragmatic. That is why as you drive round most of our roads, you will find the buses occupy the entire width of the carriageway; and a little more on corners.

 9 Jan 1728 – The Rock was fortified this month.

 9 Jan 1803 - A severe storm was experienced.

 9 Jan 1806 - Lord Nelson's state funeral was held at St Paul's Cathedral two months after his return from Gibraltar preserved in a barrel of brandy.  

 9 Jan 1855 - Heavy gale in The Bay, 11 ships sustained damage.

9 Jan 1867 – Two clipper ships, the Luis Walsh and the Charlotte W White, both of Belfast, Maine, arrived in the Bay after having raced half way round the world. The race from Callao to Algeciras commenced on the 26^th September last, passing Cape Horn on the 26^th day, and crossing the line (equator) in 65 days. The race was so close that the Luis Walsh won it by just 25 minutes, after a passage of 104 days.

 9 Jan 1932 – Messrs A.R. Isola and H.F. Cardona were appointed Justices of the Peace.

 9 Jan 2003 – The USS Kaufman arrived alongside today at 1045 for a short R&R visit. She is a Hazard-Berry class guided missile frigate built 1986 by Bath Iron Works and commissioned into the USN in Feb 1987.

 10 Jan 1781 (Gt. Siege) Two Moroccan galleys approached Ragged Staff Bastion, unhindered by watching Spanish squadron, and landed Mr Logie (British Consul in Tangier) together with his wife and just over 100 exhausted, bedraggled and distraught British subjects, who had been interned and then expelled by the Sultan. They had been mistreated, manhandled and beaten; their property confiscated, left hungry and were almost in rags. The refugees would have starved had it not been for the French Consul in Algeciras who provided food for them with money from his own pocket, before they were sent on to Gibraltar. 

 10 Jan 1822 – “It was stated some weeks ago, that considerable apprehensions had been excited in the town and garrison of Gibraltar, in consequence of the want of water. In ordinary times water is somewhat scarce in Gibraltar. In England it may seem singular to hear of a country where water cannot be obtained but by paying for it, as it is measured out. But this is the case in Gibraltar, where sixpence is the regular price for a pail-full. The commodity thus purchased is obtained in a way which would lead many in England to think it could not be good. As rain descends from the more elevated parts of the Rock, it is received in a piece of earth which is used as a burying ground and having passed through this, it is collected in tanks, from which the town is supplied. Since last March but two copious falls of rain have been witnessed and of course the quantity in the tanks has been much diminished. The disappointment experienced from the absence of a replenishing supply at the proper season is easier to imagine than describe.” (Post)

 10 Jan 1840 - Rowland Hill invented the first Penny post.

 10 Jan 1860 - Furious SE gale; 10 vessels wrecked 8 persons drowned.

 10 Jan 1860 – There was a gas explosion Mr Gamble's house in Waterport (Main) St.

 10 Jan 1933 - Disturbances at La Linea by strangers to the locality, believed to be affiliated to anarchist organisations; shots were exchanged.

 10 Jan 1937 – Today saw the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth, flagship of Admiral Sir Dudley Pound. HE the Governor of Malta, Lt-Gen Sir C. Bonham-Carter was on board. Official calls were exchanged with HE the Governor and a dinner party at Government House (The Convent) was given in their honour. 

 10 Jun 1942 – During this night a pack containing 36lbs of plastic explosive was inserted below the supporting pillars of the cliff-top Villa Falaise, an Abwehr German ship-spotting station near Tangiers. The task was effected by two SOE agents (a Spanish communist and a Jewish barber) using plastique supplied by the SOE Relator team in Gibraltar. Immediately after the massive blast the villa slid majestically down the cliff into the sea and the station was destroyed. Eight people were killed. The SOE Relator team of 19 Officers and 7 Sergeants were based at the Villa Lourdes, South Barrack Rd. Their prime task was to delay enemy forces should the Axis advance into Spain. They were highly trained in guerrilla warfare, sabotage, explosives, firearms and survival and sat on an arsenal of 10,000lbs of gelignite, 700lbs of plastic explosive and a variety of weapons.   

 10 Jan 2001 – GONHS celebrate 25^th anniversary.

 10 Jan 2003 – The frigate USS Kaufman arrived in Gibraltar at 1045 today for crew R&R. Built by the Bath Iron Works in 1986, she was commissioned into the USN in Feb ’87 and is a Hazard Perry Class guided missile frigate.

 10 Jan 2005 – Commander British Forces, Commodore David White RN, was found dead in his swimming pool at Mount Barbary. It is suspected that he committed suicide after being recalled to the UK where he faced a Police investigation into very serious charges.

 11 Jan 1780 – (Gt Sge) The first battle casualty in Gibraltar was suffered when a civilian woman was struck by a fragment of stone cast up by one of the ranging shots fired from the Spanish batteries. ‘She was thrown down…’ records Miriam Green, wife of engineer Col. Green, ‘…and insisted on it that it was the cannon ball that hit her leg. However that was impossible as it must have broke her leg. She was more alarmed than any real hurt.’ 

 11 Jan 1927 – Appointment of a committee to enquire into the unemployment problem.

 11 Jan 1930 – The death occurred of Lt-Cmdr Albert Fava OBE, RNVR.

 11 Jan 1930 – The Hotel Reina Cristina, Algeciras, was destroyed in a spectacular fire caused by an electrical short circuit.

 11 Jan 1933 - Disturbances in La Linea.

 11 Jan 1936 – The Society of St Vincent de Paul published their accounts. In the year 1934-5 they had spent £1220 in supplying 71,322lbs of bread, 24,041lbs of meat, etc. distributed to 331 families. 

 11 Jan 1941 – Operation Excess, Force H returns to The Rock.

 11 Jan 1944 - Spaniard Luis Cordon-Cuenca (23) caught with explosives, the previous 23rd June, was sentenced to death and then hanged at 9.00am today.  Three minutes later, Jose Martin Munoz (19) followed him up the specially constructed scaffold at Moorish Castle and was similarly dispatched by Home Office Executioner Albert Pierrepoint. These were the last hangings in Gibraltar and the bodies were buried in the grounds of the Prison. See also Munoz, 30th June.

 11 Jan 1993 - Tristram Garel-Jones said "Spain would almost certainly insist on the enforcement of reversion to Spain, if a major change to Gibraltar's status were contemplated". Jones must be unaware that we may have any status we wish, in which the British monarch  remains as Head of State.

 11 Jan 2000 - It was very cold in Gibraltar last night and snow was reported to have fallen around Estepona. 

 11 Jan 2006 – The second of the two new Royal Navy amphibious assault ships, HMS Bulwark, arrived on the Rock today en-route for the Middle East. The 18,500 ton vessel, built by BAe at Barrow, was launched on 15^th Nov 2001. She will act as flagship for the RN Commander and her Royal Marines from 40 and 45 Commando and their landing craft will work alongside Iraqi security forces protecting oil terminals. She also carries men of 539 Assault Squadron and Merlin helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron, Culdrose.

 11 Jan 2005 – Today the 13,500 ton Ocean Survey Vessel, HMS Scott, arrived in Gibraltar. Built by Appledore and launched in October 1996, the vessel is designed to be at sea for around 300 days each year. Her normal crew of 42 is from an assignment of 63 personnel who work a rotation system of approx 70 days on and 30 days off. HMS Scott is also capable of operating as a mine countermeasures support ship and can refuel mines countermeasure ships (MCM) at sea.

 12 Jan 1878 - Return of the Christian Brothers, who had departed some years earlier after disagreements with the Junta of Elders.  They received a memorandum of guarantee (from Bishop Scandella) safeguarding the interests of the Order.

 12 Jan 1894 - The works for extension of the New Mole commenced.

 12 Jan 1932 - A 15 minute snow-storm was observed from the Military Hospital.

 12 Jan 1936 – The final of the Gibraltar Cup was held; Europa F.C. beating HMS Hood.

 12 Jan 1937 – Saw the arrival of Lord & Lady Baden-Powel, Chief Scout & Chief Guide. With the Governor they proceeded on board RMS Moloja where they were accorded a hearty reception by Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. They lunched at Government House (The Convent). Launched in 1923 as the P&O passenger ship RMS Moloja, she was requisitioned by the Admiralty on 11 Sep 1939 and began a new life as  armed merchant cruiser, F26, then as a troopship, until she was returned to P&O in Jan. 1947. In 1933 she had been loading cargo from a lighter in Gibraltar Bay, during severe weather, when an anchor and 45 fathoms of chain pulled free and were lost. 

 12 Jan 2001 – The WW2 landing craft LST-325, which had left Gibraltar on the 12^th Dec 2000, made landfall in Mobile, Alabama, today after a passage of 4,350 miles. Despite warnings from a USCG Admiral that the vessel was not in good enough condition for the passage, her 29 strong veteran crew arrived safely to a heroes welcome from a waiting crowd of 4000 people.

 12 Jan 2001 – The Chronicle reports: Mounting public criticism of the mail delivery service prompted the government to take the unusual step of offering all civil servants £30 per sack of mail delivered.

 12 Jan 2002 – Despite the situation being just as bad this year (some say even worse) the GoG has not repeated last year’s offer, indeed postman were given a £2000 bonus to clear the Christmas backlog.

 13 Jan 1804 – A severe earth tremor was felt in the afternoon. “In January 1804 shocks were felt in Malaga and by the 13^th they extended to Gibraltar and the neighbouring coasts”. Malaga was most affected by this earthquake and the tremors that followed over the next ten days. Three churches, including the cathedral, were damaged as well as the town hall. Some private buildings collapsed.

13 Jan 1882 – The Madrid newspaper El Liberal published a letter from Francis of Bourbon, cousin of King Alfonso, suggesting that England should cede Gibraltar to the Pope if she declines to restore it to Spain.

13 Jan 1894 – Lord Charles Beresford’s new naval programme commences by declaring that the navy of Great Britain must be one third stronger than any combining fleets of her two possible enemies; France and Russia. He proposes expending £22M sterling for the construction of 6 Royal Sovereign Class ironclads, 10 Blake Class cruisers and 50 Mavock Class vessels to destroy enemy torpedo stations. £500K should be spent on a reserve ammunition, similar to that which the French have at Toulon and £634,000 used in strengthening the moles at Gibraltar.

 13 Jan 1896 - Jose Calvo of Los Barrios was executed for brutal murder of two Maltese, corn dealer Giovanni Maria Debono and his 11yr old nephew who were found dead at their store on the 9th July 1895. A large quantity of English sovereigns and some dollars were missing. A few days later police found a bag full of dollars in a cave above Europa Road. Jose Calvo was captured entering the cave on 18th July... two others with him escaped and were never identified.  He had blood stained clothing and Debono's watch in his rooms in La Linea. At one stage Calvo had told the police “I did not do it alone”. Pablo Laus, executioner was brought from Malta and a scaffold erected within a few yards of the cell. Jose Calvo was hanged at the Civil Prison, Moorish Castle, where immediately afterwards a black flag was hoisted. Calvo was the 12^th person to be hanged since 1830. 11 were for murder and 1 was for piracy. Of these 7 were soldiers convicted by General Court Marshal and 1 by the Court of Admiralty for piracy. The last public execution was Private George Shaw of the 7^th Fusiliers, hanged in 1862 at Casemates Square for the murder of a sergeant.

 13 Jan 1936 – H.M. Ships Hood, Orion and Neptune departed after an extended stay on The Rock since September 1935.

 13 Jan 2006 - Odyssey, the company expecting to recover the treasure from HMS Sussex, have attempted to restart work above the wreck once more. Despite agreement having been reached between Odyssey, UK and Spain, about their archeological methods and despite MoD ownership having been proved, they are being continually harassed by Guardia Civil gunboats. The Odyssey explorer’s master was contacted by the GC via VHF and asked to come ashore and make a statement. After advice from Gibraltar lawyers, he declined, otherwise his boat would have been impounded and he would be in gaol… well that’s what usually happens.

 14 Jan 1783 – (Gt Siege) The first four guns were mounted in the Rock Galleries.

 14 Jan 1892 - Intelligence received of the death of Prince Albert Victor of Wales. (Duke of Clarence, eldest son of future Edward VII and grandson of Queen Victoria). Official mourning kept up for six weeks.

14 Jan 1924 – This was the Diamond Jubilee of Brother MV Jones who had been resident in Gibraltar for 44 years.

14 Jan 1928 – This was Golden Jubilee of the arrival of Christian Brothers who had served in Gibraltar since January 1878.  It was a spanking success.

 14 Jan 1936 – Major General Duncan (Overseas League) called on the Governor whilst on passage through Gibraltar.

 14 Jan 1944 – Churchill, recovered from pneumonia, arrived by air from Marrakech and transferred to the battleship HMS George Vth. which had arrived today escorted by the destroyers Antelope, Anthony and Brilliant. They departed at 0300 next day for Plymouth UK, accompanied by the light cruiser Mauritius.

 14 Jan 2000 - 85 year old Bro. Hawkins returned to visit the Rock and renew acquaintance with many ex-pupils.

 15 Jan 1831 - (approx date) First census of the population completed.

15 Jan 1844 - A census of the population was taken showing 12,432 British subjects and 3,641 aliens. Total of 15,823 of which 1402 were Protestant, 12,721 Catholic, 1,690 Jews & 10 Mohammedans.

 15 Jan 1859 - The new entrance for foot passengers adjoining Waterport Wharf, was opened by Major-General Savage C.O. Royal Engineers.

 15 Jan 1876 - Draft Ordinances published for grants of £500 each to Anglican and Catholic Church bodies and the vesting of Church property in these bodies.

 15 Jan 1884 – Private H Sergeant, Berkshire Regiment, was presented with the RHS Bronze medal for saving life at Gibraltar. Case No 22255.

 15 Jan 1912 – The Dumas sisters were found dead.

 15 Jan 1928 – Mr J Discombe JP appointed to act as Attorney General.

 15 Jan 1934 – The Andalusian Racing Club resumed meetings at North Front, which had not been held since 1931.

 16 Jan 1716 – The Decreto de la Nueva Planta decree was dictated by Felipe Vth, which, through the force of arms, instantly changed the Catalans into Spaniards, whether they liked it or not… and they did not.  From that moment they were subject to the laws, administration, justice and language as the Castilian provinces. Wilfred the Shaggy was rotating in his grave.

 16 Jan 1780 - (Gt Siege) Famine was delayed following seizure of a convoy, sent in by Sir George Rodney, which arrived on the 19th. Rodney, tasked with relieving Gibraltar before proceeding to the West Indies, captured a fleet of merchant ships 100 leagues ENE of Cape Finisterre, belonging to the Royal Company of Caraccas, which were laden with stores and provisions, intended for the Spanish fleet in Cadiz. They were under convoy of the 64 gun ship Guipuscao, four frigates and a brig. The capture of the Spanish ships was a matter of some importance, the provisions being much needed by the half starved garrison on the Rock and the stores wanting in the dockyard.

 16 Jan 1780 – 2^nd Battle of Cape St Vincent. The British victors and their prizes arrived in Gibraltar on the 19^th.

 16 Jan 1906 - The Moroccan Conference at Algeciras opened under the presidency of the Duke of Almodovar, Spanish Foreign Minister. Britain was represented by Sir A Nicholson, British Ambassador to Madrid. The last sitting took place 7 April.

 16 Jan 1919 - Landslip caused considerable damage to Sir Herbert Miles Road and Catalan Bay Road.

16 Jan 1937 – A motor car accident at Catalan Bay resulted in four persons injured.

16 Jan 1942 – The destroyer HMS Hesperus arrived on the Rock with forty German prisoners. They were the survivors of the sinking of U-93 a day earlier. Hesperus had been defending convoy HG 78 when she detected U-93 on the surface and rammed her, throwing her captain and 1st Lieutenant out of the conning tower into the motor boat on the destroyer's deck. By dropping depth charges and pounding the sub with 4.7 inch shells, the submarines crew were persuaded to surrender, before it sank. The damage to Hesperus included flooding of part of her hull forward, buckled plates and propeller tip damage, and was repaired at Gibraltar. 

 16 Jan 1951 – Around 1500 local time, a Handley Page HP70 Halifax VIII, Reg. RG837, was engaged in a local training flight from North Front. The pilot had made several approaches with one engine inoperative and now made a new approach when a second engine failed.  (HP Halifax was 4x engined bomber) The aircraft stalled, hit the runway surface, went out of control and came to rest partly submerged. All six crew members were rescued but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The exact cause of the engine failure remains unknown.

 16 Jan 1986 – A 30’ high wall of the old Navy Cooperage (built 1767) collapsed during demolition works. It fell unaided at 2.27pm, killing Mrs Josephine Pulham, Algamene Bank employee and trapping 2 men in a car. Firemen released the men around 3.30 using hydraulic jaws purchased just a few months beforehand. Mrs Pulham was located around 9.00pm with heat seeking apparatus. The site is now the ICC.

 16 Jan 1992 – A record 73.1% of votes supported the GSLP, led by Joe Bossano, at today’s General Election.

 16 Jan 2001 - A party of 20 Greenpeace activists left the beach in La Linea in 4 RIBs to enter the Port and board HMS Tireless where they intended to chain themselves to the submarine and display anti-nuclear posters. Two RIBs reached the Tireless and put protestors aboard, where Navy personnel unceremoniously chucked them in the sea. 10 activists were arrested by GSP assisted by RGP and charged with illegal entry into Admiralty Waters and obstructing Police.

 17 Jan 1781 - (Gt Sge) An earthquake was felt.

 17 Jan 1832 - Sir George Don died of influenza and was buried in the Church of the Holy Trinity, which had been completed during his governorship.  

 17 Jan 1870 – The segregation of La Linea from San Roque was approved. The following 20^th July, Linenses got their first Mayor Lutgardo Lopez Munoz, and unanimously adopted the name La Linea de la Conception.

 17 Jan 1871 - Landslip between Devils Tower and Catalan Bay, communication was maintained by boats.

 17 Jan 1933 – Owing to rough weather, the passengers who had come ashore from SS Musa were unable to return on board until the following morning.  The tender Cometa and three lighters were driven ashore on Western beach; the Algeciras ferry boats did not run and the Spanish mail boats did not leave Algeciras for Ceuta or Tangier.

 17 Jan 1936 – News arrived of the serious illness of HM King George Vth and was received with profound regret “by the whole community.” A telegram sent by HE the Governor was graciously acknowledged by Queen Mary.

 17 Jan 2001 - The Greenpeace protestors plead guilty and were fined £350 each for obstructing Police. No separate penalty was made for entry into Admiralty Waters, an offence often committed by local & visiting pleasure boats. The Police received some criticism for refusing bail and holding the prisoners in wet clothes. Xavier Pastor of Greenpeace said the £3,500 was well-spent drawing attention to de-nuking our seas.

 18 Jan 1781 (Gt. Siege) Today, arrived the 26 gun cutter Tartar (previously a French vessel taken as a prize by the Royal Navy) carrying a cargo of wine, brandy and olive oil.  She also brought the news that Great Britain was now also at war with Holland.

 18 Jan 1862 - The famous Confederate privateer Sumter (Captain Raphael Semmes) put into Gibraltar for repairs. She was a sailing vessel with a steam engine, fast and manoeuvrable. At this time she had taken a total of eighteen merchantmen.  She was blockaded here by Union warships and so closely watched by the USS Tuscarora that she was eventually sold by public auction on 19th Dec for $19,500. Raphael Semmes left for England, to join the Alabama, built by Liverpool merchants, and went on to become the most famous Confederate sea captain.

 18 Jan 1914 – Today saw the Golden Jubilee of Rev Brother M V Jones, Sacred Heart Terrace, 34 years of which had been spent educating Gibraltar youths.

 18 Jan 1919 – Sunday closing of markets; which order only lasted a week.

18 Jan 1921 - Rear-Admiral Henry B Pelly assumed the duties of Senior Naval Officer vice Rear-Admiral Sir Reginald J Trywhitt.

 18 Jan 1932 – The audit office was removed to 69 Irish Town.

 18 Jan 1934 – HE the Governor, General Sir CH Harington, accompanied by the Hon. AE Beattie and Captain Jones, ADC, paid an official visit to the City Hall, automatic telephone exchange and Central Fire Station. They were received by the City Councillors headed by Mr J Discombe, Chairman.

 18 Jan 1936 - Appeal made by HE the Governor on behalf of the Quetta Earthquake Fund Total of £700 was raised. The (May 1935) earthquake had killed around 70,000 people in NW India (now a part of Pakistan).

 18 Jan 1937 – Publication of a government notice applying the provisions of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870, to the present conflict in Spain. The purpose of the act was to prevent the enlistment of British mercenaries in conflicts within countries with which Britain was at peace.

18 Jan 1942 – Two R.N. anti-submarine trawlers were sunk and one damaged by sabotage.  Two Spanish workers, non-attributable agents of the Abteilung sabotage section, planted a bomb amongst depth charges on the deck of HM Trawler Erin, moored alongside detached mole. The resulting explosion sank the Erin, severely damaged HMT Imperialist and fatally damaged HMT Honjo. Five British sailors, including a sub lieutenant standing watch on the aircraft carrier HMS Argos moored nearby, were killed. This act was thought to be retribution for the attack on Villa Falaise.

18 Jan 1954 – The Chronicle said today ‘That it is nonsense for Spanish newspapers to claim that Gibraltar belongs to Spain by right.’  It commented on Britain’s rejection of the Spanish request that the Queen’s visit to Gibraltar next May on the way home from her Commonwealth tour should be cancelled. The paper states: ‘For Britain it is a normal visit by the Sovereign to one of her most loyal peoples. It replaces that visit which George VI would have made a few years ago, but for illness. Spain sees it as planned deliberately by the British Government to rebuff her and as a vigorous answer to her demands for the return of Gibraltar. Spain is always happy to have an excuse for airing her grievances concerning Gibraltar.’ 

18 Jan 2003 – Baton wielding Spanish policemen attacked a Gibraltar policeman and his family in an incredible incident involving a car parked on the pavement. On leaving a restaurant the family found their car had received a ticket, but unusually they were approached by two plain clothes individuals claiming to be policeman, who stood in front of their car and demanded it be driven down a side street. The Gibraltar family, believing it to be a mugging demanded IDs, at which point the individuals summoned three policia municipal vehicles. Twelve municipal policemen arrived with batons drawn and then laid into the Gibraltar family and their Spanish guest. Local residents couldn’t believe their eyes and called the Guardia Civil. When the G.C. saw what was going on they sent everybody home.

 19 Jan 1780 - (Gt Siege) This day saw the arrival of Sir George Rodney’s prizes with supplies for the garrison, during the Great Siege. Captured Spanish frigates Fenix (80), Diligente (74), Monarca (74) and Princessa (74) arrived with Admiral Don Juan de Langara, who had been wounded, escorted by two British Men of War; the Defence, Captain Cranston, and Bienfaisant, Captain John McBride. The Defence was one of the first RN warships to  be copper bottomed. Rodney arrived on the 26^th having first called at Tangier.

 19 Jan 1891 - Very cold weather with ice in exposed places.  One of the lowest temperatures ever recorded in Gibraltar; 1/2 degree centigrade. Water froze to a thickness of one and one sixteenth of an inch.

 19 Jan 1903 - The German steamer Lahn stranded off Eastern Beach with 800 passengers on board. It was thought she would remain there until the Levanter abated and work commenced on discharging cargo to facilitate her release at the earliest opportunity.

 19 Jan 1933 – There was a fatal accident on board HMS Shamrock, an S Class destroyer serving on Gibraltar station since 1930. She remained in service on the Rock until she was returned to Britain to be scrapped in 1936. One of her last tasks here was to evacuate civilians from Malaga at the start of the Spanish Civil War.  

 19 Jan 1934 – Mrs Mackintosh opened the factory of ‘Ice and Refrigeration Ltd’ (a local concern) at Waterport Wharf. The Hon. Colonial Secretary and Mrs Beattie being present.

 20 Jan 1919 – Message of sympathy sent by H.E. the Governor, to their Majesties, on the death of Prince John, aged 13.

 20 Jan 1830 - Benito de Soto sentenced to death for piracy. He was eventually hanged at the neutral ground five days later.

 20 Jan 1845 - Construction work began on Theatre Royal.

 20 Jan 1936 - The news was received that King George Vth had died. The sorrow felt by the community was expressed in a telegram sent by HE the Governor to the Sec. of State for the Colonies, for which an acknowledgement was subsequently received.

 20 Jan 1940 – The Devil’s Tower was demolished as an essential part of war work; to clear a field of fire.

 20 Jan 2001 – The Campo Area arranged a mass demonstration against the broken down nuclear submarine HMS Tireless. Algeciras fairground hosted between 5k and 20K protestors, depending on who you believe, with 30 coaches from all around Andalucia and a contingent from Gibraltar. No mention was made of the US base at Rota.

 20 Jan 2003 – Just before 8am the Greenpeace vessel Esperanza arrived in the Bay and detached 2x inflatables full of activists who boarded the bunker ship Vemamagna, climbed the mast and displayed a banner saying ‘Oil Hazard’ in both English and Spanish. Some 20 people were arrested by the RGP including several Spanish media reporters, who had been given prior notice by Greenpeace, and so were amongst the assault team. Greenpeace demand that all single hulled tankers be banned from the bay but, curiously, pay attention only to ships in Gibraltar Port and ignore those on the Spanish side. During the melee the RGP reported that a Police launch was rammed and Greenpeace claim the RGP attacked one of their RIBs. Fourteen people were released without charge and six will be charged with offences ranging from obstructing Police to dangerous navigation. 

 21 Jan 1901 – HE the Governor declared 4 drinking water reservoirs open. The Waterworks were excavated from the heart of the Rock on instructions from the Sanitary Commissioners.

21 Jan 1909 – There was a terrific thunderstorm; 6" of rain fell.

 21 Jan 2002 - Government announced it has embarked upon the long-term project to open up the Northern Defences, sections of WW 2 tunnel and the Middle Galleries to provide a major tourist attraction. The full project will include Moorish Castle etc and take 5-10 years. (Just started 2017)

 21 Jan 2003 – The Spanish bunkering barge Spabunker Cuatro capsized in the bay, just outside Algeciras Port, at 4am in bad weather. Her captain went down with her and her two crewmen were missing, but were later recovered from the sea. For travel outside the port, her licence required a higher crew complement. She immediately spilled her own fuel oil generating a large slick. A week later she began to lose bunker oil at around 50 litres a day. Titan Marine, an English company, were contracted to recover the oil and the vessel from a depth of some 50 metres. The recovery was funded by her owners; CEPSA.

 22 Jan 1898 - First block of concrete for the Detached Mole was made.

 22 Jan 1936 - Edward the VIII proclaimed King, at Government House (before it was renamed The Convent).

 22 Jan 1901 - Queen Victoria died, compulsory mourning was announced.

 22 Jan 1942 – The admiralty trawler Rosalind and the minesweeping trawler Lord Grey arrived in Gibraltar from Britain. They were to leave for Freetown seven days later.

 22 Jan 2003 – The Port Authority responded to a call for help from Algeciras Port, following the sinking of the oil barge earlier this week and the appearance of a large oil slick in the Bay. Algeciras asked for boom equipment which our Port authority loaned them. ‘Gibraltar has put all its facilities at the disposal of Algeciras Port’ said GoG, quoted by the Spanish agency Europa Press. Although booms were deployed immediately, there was substantial contamination in the Camp Bay and Little Bay areas.

 23 Jan 1855 – The steam sloop HMS Hecla, returning from a cruise, ran aground at 0430 due to bad weather. In order to save the vessel the crew were obliged to cut down the masts and she was pulled off the shore and towed into Gibraltar where the crew were housed in Casemates barracks. The same night that Hecla ran aground, the Sardinian registered  Cattarina B Granara, bound for Montevideo, was wrecked off the Devil’s Tower. The crew, with assistance from the shore, started to unload the cargo but during the operation the cargo shifted and some passengers were crushed. By the morning many passengers had managed to get on shore. A plea was published in the Chronicle (in Italian) asking for donations to help support the unfortunate survivors who were housed in private sheds near Eastern beach. Twelve bodies were recovered and buried that afternoon and the cargo was auctioned at the Martillo to raise money to support the 162 survivors.

 23 Jan 1872 - Two daring robberies were committed on the premises of Messrs Hepper & Co and Mr Francis Gache.

 23 Jan 1878 - The introduction of the Customs Ordinance was abandoned after protests. It is still contended by some, that Queen Anne’s Freeport Charter prohibits the levying of Customs charges.

23 Jan 1881 – An Italian boat Leone de Gaprera arrived from Montevideo.

 23 Jan 1900 – No.2 Company S.D. Royal Garrison Artillery sailed for the Cape on board the City of Rome which also carried a large number of parcels from friends in Gibraltar for troops on active service, including the Manchester Regiment.

 23 Jan 1901 – General mourning kept up for her late Majesty Queen Victoria.

 23 Jan 1926 - Public meeting at Commercial Square when it was decided to write to the Secretary of State for Colonies as to re-enactment of the Rent Restriction Ordinance. He replied in the negative.

 23 Jan 1937 – Saw the arrival of the Home Fleet on their Spring Cruise.  Admiral Sir Roger Backhouse was in command on board HMS Nelson. An official dinner party was given in his honour at Government House on 25^th.

 23 Jan 1967 – A Sea Vixen FAW2, XJ564, launched from 892 NAS, HMS Hermes, crashed into the sea off Gibraltar. Control was lost when the pilot’s instrument panel fell down, fouling the control column. Both crew ejected but the pilot was killed. 

 23 Jan 2004 – Royal Navy ship HMS Cornwall, a Broadsword class type 42 frigate called at Gibraltar today to pick up stores and personnel.

 24 Jan 1905 - No 3 Dock used for the first time.

 24 Jan 1925 – There was a total eclipse of the sun.

 24 Jan 1931 – The death of Mr. Fernando Schott, prominent local businessman, who had ridden with the Clape Hunt until 1924.

 24 Jan 1965 - Sir Winston Churchill died. In 2001 the Americans have named their latest battleship after him.

 24 Jan 2002 – A WW2, 500lb unexploded bomb, lying 1km NW of North Mole and discovered during a routine training exercise by HMS Grimsby, was raised by auto-flotation bag at 1.15 pm today, by GCDU. Exploding the bomb in situ was not an option because of the shallow depth and proximity to land. It was towed by the dive support vessel Cormorant to a designated Ordnance Dumping Ground, in deep water SE of Europa Point, where it was lowered to the seabed at 4.00pm. The Spanish Navy vessel Conejera was on scene to observe, at first insisting that the RN leave the bomb where it lay. Fortunately, the RN ignored them. The bomb is probably French. The incident enraged local people who cited this as another example of how Spain cannot be trusted.  Peter Caruana, CM, raised the matter at a meeting with duplicitous Foreign Sec. Jack Straw, who is intent on doing a deal behind our backs.

 24 Jan 2002 – A Keep Gibraltar British demo, organised by Emilio Peire of the Rock Firm War Veterans Association, took place today. The demo was attended by around 450 people although the government refused to support it, for their own reasons. No doubt it will be the first of many.

 24 Jan 2003 – Britain has deployed a brand new 42 metre revenue cutter HMCC Seeker to Algeciras to take part in an exercise designed to combat migration flows in the Mediterranean. Their colleagues in HM Customs Gibraltar were not trusted with the secret. The Convent, when challenged, agreed that they knew all about it but had not thought to share it with the authorities here. Whilst UK and European Customs are fighting hard against drugs smuggling, this vessel and her crew appear to have been loaned to Spain to help with their immigrant problem.

 25 Jan 1816 - Rev Juan Bautista Zino confirmed Vicar General to the RC Community.

 25 Jan 1830 - Benito de Soto, convicted at Gibraltar of piracy, was hung at the neutral ground on the site which was later to become Bland’s foundry.

 25 Jan 1901 – A proclamation announcing the accession of HM King Edward VII was read out at Government House.

 25 Jan 1922 - A stock of petroleum was destroyed by fire at North Front.

 25 Jan 1929 – The Atlantic Fleet arrived, under command of Admiral Sir H. Brand in HMS Nelson.  During their stay the reservoirs and rain water catchments were thrown open to officers and men and many entertainments given. They left on 4trh April.

 25 Jan 1933 – The P&O liner Cormorin, which went into Gibraltar dry dock on account of a damaged propeller, has had a spare propeller fitted and has resumed her voyage to the East.

 25 Jan 1954 – Signal from F&CO to Madrid Embassy: In reply to a question today by Mr Arthur Henderson as to what representations had been received from the Spanish Government with regard to the forthcoming Royal visit to Gibraltar, the Minister of state said: ‘The Spanish Ambassador called at his own request on my Right Hon Friend on Jan 12^th. He delivered what he described as a friendly warning that the visit of HM the Queen to Gibraltar in May would cause resentment in Spain. My Right Hon Friend informed the Ambassador that he was not prepared to discuss the Queen’s visit to any one of Her territories and that in no circumstances could he accept a representation on such a topic from any foreign power.’   Good for him.

 25 Jan 1968 - Last signal transmitted from Israeli sub Dakar - whilst in transit through the strait - The British built 1940s sub which had been re-fitted in Portsmouth to Israeli specifications, disappeared with her 69 crew en route to Haifa. In 1969 an emergency buoy washed up on Gaza strip. In May 1999 the sub was found in two pieces lying in deep water between Crete and Cyprus.

 25 Jan 2001 – The death occurred of radio operator/maintainer David Taylor, who had been visiting Gibraltar in HMS Lancaster. He fell to his death from Jumper’s Bastion whilst taking a short cut back to his ship. He would have been 18 three days later.

 25 Jan 2002 – The famous catamaran Orange was seen in the harbour today.

 26 Jan 1705 – The Spaniards attacked Gibraltar by land.

 26 Jan 1922 – A Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral for the happy repose of the soul of His Holiness Pope Benedict XV.  Rt. Rev Bishop Thompson officiated and HE and Lady Smith-Dorien attended.

 26 Jan 1923 - The Port Launch Nevada sank in the Admiralty harbour as a result of a collision with the tug Cometa.

 26 Jan 1933 - Very heavy rainfall, 4.91 inches falling in 24 hours up to 7am with many cases of flooding. A Spanish fishing smack sank off Estepona, 7 of the crew being drowned.

 26 Jan 2004 – The Royal Navy’s newest hydrographic survey vessel, HMS Echo, arrived in port today. She was launched on 2nd Mar 2002 and commissioned on 7^th Mar 2003. The name HMS Echo has a distinguished history from Quebec 1759 to Malta Convoys of 1942. Ships motto is Marte et Arte, by Mars and Art.

 26 Jan 2005 - The government today announced; “Gibraltar’s most ambitious investment and development project in its history.”  This is the 1 billion pound Eastside Development between Eastern Beach and Catalan Bay, at a site – yet to be reclaimed- which has already been named as Sovereign Bay. Over a 10 year period the contractor will build; a 300 boat marina, cruise liner terminal, up to 2,200 apartments, a 300 bed four star hotel, retail, commercial and office accommodation, 2x 250 space government car parks and a new power station of 6x 5 megawatt generators. The developer, Australian company Multiplex Construction pty, inherited the project and its architect, Lord Foster, when they bought out Elliott Bernard. (Jan 2017 - still waiting... 2023 project superseded by TNG Global who paid GoG £90M for the privilege)

 27 Jan 1876 - HRH Duke of Connaught took up residence in Commercial Square. (Piazza) Mr Pablo Larios made his house available (now the City Hall).

 27 Jan 1937 – Owing to the tender service having been suspended because of a storm, 160 passengers from the liner Strathnaver were stranded in town. P&O found overnight accommodation for them with some difficulty since the town was crowded with refugees from Spain. However, the hotels converted reading, writing and other public rooms into dormitories. The Strathnaver raised her anchor during the afternoon and moved south east of the Rock for protection.

 27 Jan 1983 – Latest figures: Over 2200 people have now formally applied for full British Citizenship and another 12,000 or so are in the process of doing so, according to the Nationality Unit opposite the Convent. The applications are being forwarded to the UK in batches of 200.

 27 Jan 2003 - Northumbrian Water is in the running for a £20M sewage treatment plant on The Rock, according to the Newcastle Journal. Their relationship with Gibraltar goes back to the eighties when water was shipped from Kielder Water and their experts helped Gib achieve self-sufficiency in drinking water and sanitation supply.

 28 Jan 1810 - All able bodied Spaniards ordered out of the garrison to take up arms against the besieging French armies.

 28 Jan 1864 - Captain Frederick Brome, Governor of the Military Prison at Windmill Hill and a keen amateur archaeologist, discovered a cave which he named Genista. Although initially he had permission, he subsequently faced charges for improperly employing prisoners on his private projects, eventually resulting in the loss of his commission.

 28 Jan 1903 - Approval was given for a scheme to construct a bomb-proof reservoir of 180,000 gallons near Calpe Battery, for supply of brackish water to the high level of the northern portion of the Rock.

 28 Jan 1920 – A presentation took place at the Exchange Building of a silver cup and 4 photos to the newspaper El Calpense from Gibraltarians in the Argentine Republic.            

 28 Jan 1921 - At a Sanitary Commissioner's meeting it was revealed that the Colonial Government had approved payment of £12,000 from Colonial government funds during following 12 months. 

 28 Jan 1927 – Flying Officer Gordon Thursby Campbell (Lt. R.N.) lost his life when his Blackburn Dart torpedo bomber N6800 (462 Flt. HMS Furious) stalled and crashed into the sea off Gibraltar. The Dart had a remarkably low stall speed of 43mph. Sometimes this event is incorrectly reported as a seaplane accident.

 28 Jan 1936 – Today was the funeral of King George V, all public offices and the majority of businesses being closed.  Two minutes silence was observed and 70 gun salute was fired. A number of memorial services were held. 70 Minute guns were also fired from Algeciras.

 28 Jan 2004 – Two cruise liners, the Bolero and the Flamenco, were arrested at Gibraltar today and lie alongside at South Mole. Their owners, Festival Cruises, are embroiled in debt talks. Later, a further 3 Festival vessels were detained here, all eventually being auctioned off.

 29 Jan 1881 - Heavy rainfall; 5.05 inches was recorded.

 29 Jan 1901 - Government Notice directed all persons to put themselves in mourning due to death of Queen Victoria.

 30 Jan 1766 – There was hail and heavy flooding with torrents coming down the Rock which killed 60 people.

 30 Jan 1858 – The Bay suffered a heavy gale; 11 ships sustained damage. The Spanish brig Caesar was wrecked near Algeciras with the loss of 6 of her 11 crew.

 30 Jan 1900 – Special services of supplication held at all churches, synagogues, etc, in connection with the Transvaal War. All shops and businesses closed during the services. 

 30 Jan 1900 – A meeting at the Theatre Royal decided to raise a local Volunteer Corps; in which 700 volunteers desired to serve. Though approved by the Home Government the scheme remained in abeyance.

 30 Jan 1909 – Arrival of US Fleet comprising 17 battleships and a gunboat with crew totalling 13,000 officers and men. Massed bands played in the Alameda on 5^th February and the fleet departed for Hampton Roads on the 6^th.

 30 Jan 1912 - HRH King George V and Queen Mary arrived aboard the Medina. Owing to the death of the Duke of Fife, the official programme was considerably curtailed. A Spanish fleet with HRH the Infante Don Carlos, representing HRH King of Spain, arrived from Algeciras. This was the first time a Spanish fleet had been seen at Gibraltar since 1873. Don Carlos was received in audience by their majesties. A bouquet was presented to HM the Queen at the Exchange Building by Joseph A. Patron and Mrs HJ King. Medina left at 6am on the 1^st February.

 30 Jan 1929 – A combined rally of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, including Spanish scouts from Malaga, Ceuta and Tetuan, was given in honour of Sir Robert & Lady Baden-Powell. The governors of Gibraltar and Algeciras were present.

 30 Jan 1935 – Saw the arrival of General & Mrs Weygand who called on H.E. the Governor and Mrs Harington.

 30 Jan 1975 - Gibraltar Gaming Tax introduced.

 30 Jan 2002 – The RGP introduced its Roving Unit; essentially a Police Station in the back of a van. What a good idea.

 30 Jan 2003 – Routine port visit by HMS Westminster (F237), built at Wallsend by Swan Hunter and launched on 4^th Feb 1992. The ship is taking on supplies.

 31 Jan 1310 – Gibraltar was granted its first charter by King Ferdinand IVth of Castille. Being considered a high risk town, the charter included incentives to settle there such as freedom from justice for anyone who lived here for a year and a day.

 31 Jan 1580 - Fernando II of Spain invaded Portugal, seizing amongst other prizes, the city of Ceuta; which Spain kept when Portugal gained her freedom.

 31 Jan 1776 - The town was completely flooded by a great storm, much damage was done and some 50 lives were lost. During this deluge it is said that 33” rain fell in 26 hours.

 31 Jan 1885 - Bland's twin screw steamer Gibel Tarik arrived this day.

 31 Jan 1911 – H.M. King George Vth presented new colours to the 1^st Battalion the Staffordshire Regiment at Alameda Grand Parade. The ceremony was attended by HRH the Infante Don Carlos of Spain.

31 Jan 1912 – Sir Archibald Hunter, speaking to a deputation from the Chamber of Commerce, in the presence of leading members of the naval, military and civil communities, severely criticised the chamber for the attitude adopted by its members towards measures of reform which he had introduced. He was also said to have criticised several Gibraltar institutions, and more particularly, Gibraltar juries. The Governor’s remarks caused great indignation among sections of the community. Memorials were lodged protesting against the address, and a deputation of merchants was sent to England to wait on Mr Harcourt (Sec. of State for the Colonies). In March, Sir Archibald went to London on three weeks leave of absence, from which he was not to return, resigning in June. 

 31 Jan 1934 – A collision occurred off Gibraltar between HM destroyers Vortigern and  and Warwick. Slight damage was sustained by both vessels.

 31 Jan 1935 - Fall of snow near Algeciras, heavy rain and squalls, slates and tiles being dislodged in Gibraltar.

 31 Jan 1985 – The Spanish Council of Ministers, at their meeting today, have decided: ‘To re-establish the free movement of people, vehicles and goods by sea between Gibraltar and the surrounding territory, the revoking of all arrangements, decisions, or in general, other orders or measures which may impede maritime traffic between Algeciras and Gibraltar, or the traffic of yachts and movement of ships to the same destination.’ Still waiting.

 31 Jan 2002 – In the face of inaction from government & opposition, Mr Charles Benyunes, a private citizen, arranged a pro-British demonstration against the handover-deal currently being devised by the F&CO & Spain. It was attended by over 2000 people despite being opposed by government; a fact which the Chief Minister reported as “28,000 chose to stay away…”

 31 Jan 2003 – The governor, Sir David Durie, today commissioned two new fast patrol boats into the RN Gibraltar Squadron. They are to be called HMS Sabre & HMS Scimitar and are second hand from N.I. where they were known as Greyfox and Greywolf. They were brought to Gibraltar after Sept 11^th to augment Ranger and Trumpeter, which will no doubt disappear shortly. They are smaller, faster and more manoeuvrable than Ranger/Trumpeter and have proper armament built-in. (unlike R & T which had machineguns bolted to their foredecks recently) Mrs Durie cut the cake and a Lynx helicopter provided a fly-past salute. All the Gibraltar dignitaries turned up but the UK guests, including 1^st Sea Lord, Chief of Naval Staff and Deputy Chief Joint Operations, failed to show. These vessels form a part of the £62M which the MoD claims to have spent in Gibraltar this year. (A couple of months later Ranger & Trumpeter left to join a UK university boat squadron.) It should be noted that the £62M was largely spent on themselves and as usually involved UK contractors, thus its apparent benefit to The Rock was actually minimal.

 31 Jan 2003 – F237, a type 23 frigate HMS Westminster arrived in port yesterday. Launched at Swan Hunter’s on 4^th February 1992, she has called to take on supplies.

 

                                                                                           ~~

 Jan 1728 - The Rock was fortified and the Franciscan Convent on Line Wall was converted to the Governor's residence; the Nunnery of Santa Clara (Block of houses in Main & Tuckey streets) a barrack; the Convent of San Juan de Dios (now Colonial Hospital) a store; and the Convent of Mercenarios (now Colonial Building) the Admiral's Residence.

 Jan 1856 – A ball was given by merchants, at the Theatre Royal, to H.E. the Governor and officers of the garrison. (LCs)    

Jan 1866 – The piratical seizure of the British vessel Queen Victoria, from Gibraltar to Barbary, laden with tobacco, cloth and iron goods, by a Spanish revenue cutter caused public outrage. She was fifteen miles from the Spanish coast when she was taken and carried into Cadiz, where her cargo was appropriated and the crew driven away by threats. At first the revenuers pretended the vessel was derelict – forsaken by her crew – but that being manifestly untrue, then stated that she had landed smuggled goods – equally a falsehood. The remonstrance’s of our Consul and Foreign Office, repeated over several months, having no avail, Lord Stanley, at the end of March, sent Madrid a demand for the ‘immediate restoration of the ship and cargo, or their full value with proper pecuniary indemnity to her captain and crew, accompanied by an expression of regret for the outrage committed on the British Flag.’ The demand was backed up by the despatch of ‘ironsides’ to Gibraltar to await orders. 

Jan 1915 – Wealthy Germans are making their way out of their own country by any and every route that is open, and are getting away just as fast as they can travel. Algeciras, Malaga and other towns in the south of Spain (says a private letter from Gibraltar) are full of financiers from the Fatherland and their numbers are swelling every day.

  Jan 1933 - City Council ambulance knocked down two pedestrians at Catalan Bay then crashed into a wall.

 Jan 1933 - Rough weather led to cancellation of the Algeciras ferry-boat. Several ships were driven ashore at western beach.

 Jan 1933 - Two French tourists were forced to land their aircraft, a De Havilland Gypsy-Moth, on the neutral ground.

 Jan 1934 – The South District Post Office, Scud Hill, was completed.

 Jan 1966 - Spanish restrictions on the airspace around Gibraltar began when member countries of NATO were informed that none of their aircraft would be allowed to fly over Spanish territory if bound for Gibraltar. (in August the ban was extended to all British military aircraft and in Sep/Oct the first complaints were lodged about alleged violations of Spanish airspace, North of the frontier fence.) This was direct result of the December 1965 UN General Assembly ‘inviting UK and Spain to begin without delay the talks envisaged under the terms of the consensus’ of the Special Committee and to ‘inform the General Assembly of the outcome of negotiations.’

 Jan 1974 - Elderly Persons (Non-Contributory Pensions)

 Jan 1989 - It was computed that Spanish pensioners who, for 15 years, had paid contributions of £6.26 per year, were receiving a pension of £3728.40 p.a. each.