Jul

                                       

                                         Gibraltarmonthly

July:

 1 Jul 1858 – The inauguration of St Bernard's College for Youths, by Vicar Apostolic Rt. Rev. Dr Scandella, took place in a building at New Mole Parade.

 1 Jul 1871 - HMS Agincourt, a Minotaur Class armoured frigate built in 1865, struck on La Perla rock and nearly sank. Agincourt was leading the inshore column of ships and gently ran aground sideways when the senior flagship's navigator failed to compensate for the set of the tide. Warrior, was immediately following her and nearly collided with her, but managed to sheer off in time. Agincourt was stuck fast and had to be lightened; her guns were removed and much of her coal was tossed overboard before she was towed off by Hercules, commanded by Lord Gilford, four days later. Heavy weather set in the night after Agincourt was freed and it would have wrecked her had she still been aground. Both the fleet commander and his deputy were relieved of their commands as a result of the incident.

  1 Jul 1927 – Mr CGS Fellows appointed Chief Asst. Secretary vice Mr EP Griffin (retired).

 1 Jul 1931 – Attractive new postage stamps put into use.

 1 Jul 1932 – Postage rates to UK, Spain and Morocco increased by 1/2d (now 2d per oz.).

 1 Jul 1936 – The title of Colonial Surgeon was changed to Senior Medical Officer.

 1 Jul 1936 – The Hon. H.R. Home, Attorney General, was appointed to act as Chief Justice.

 1 Jul 1936 – A Memorial Service was held at the Anglican Cathedral for the late Gen. Sir Archibald Hunter, a former governor of Gibraltar.

 1 Jul 1940 – General Mason MacFarlane was appointed Commander in Chief of The Rock under Governor Liddell.

 1 Jul 1959 – Three teenage members of the MRC had a nasty experience when their canoe capsized in a strong Levanter off El Espigon, La Linea’s poniente beach. One, A Mena, could not swim. The other two, F Parody and J Guerrero, tried to keep him afloat and get ashore. However, they soon all became exhausted and had to shout for help. Bathers came to their rescue with rubber rings but by the time they got out of the water Mena had lost consciousness. A Spanish doctor applied artificial respiration and brought him round.

 1 Jul 1963 – A Spanish worker, Francisco Roseti Viagas, 45, died and a Gibraltar City Council foreman, Victor Cocklan, was admitted to St Bernard’s Hospital in a serious condition after being overcome by fumes whilst working in the City Council Sewage Pumping Station at Devil’s Tower Road.

 1 Jul 1964 – Bassadone brothers George and John gave a preview for press, radio and television of their new hotel, The Caleta Palace, Catalan Bay.

 1 Jul 1966 – Some 88 cars were left stranded at the frontier when the Spanish authorities closed their gates shortly before 11.30pm.

 1 Jul 1967 – A 28 year old American, David Smith, became the first man to swim across the Strait from N. Africa to Gibraltar, taking 8 hours and 45 minutes to complete the feat.  

 1 Jul 1970 – The 40 hour week was introduced.

 1 July 1982 – The presentation took place at the Garrison Library of a cheque for £1000 on behalf of the Gibraltar Round Table to his worship the mayor, Mr Abraham Serfaty, for the Falklands Task Force Fund.

 1 Jul 1993 – The 1^st July Law: With the closure of the PSA in May, unemployment rose to between 4-5% and there was a demand from the workforce to exclude non Gibraltarians from employment here.  CM Joe Bossano explained that our membership of the EU made it impossible to refuse EU nationals seeking employment here. All that could be restricted were job seekers from other parts of UK; consequently he introduced the 1^st July Law requiring UK job seekers to have a work permit issued by GoG. This caused some turmoil in the community. It also caused upset at the F&CO who accused Joe Bossano of ‘whittling away the Governor’s powers.’  In fact the F&CO had seen the draft legislation beforehand (and missed the relevant paragraphs) and the Governor had already signed it off. QED.

 1 July 1997 – The Spanish Foreign Minister attempted to draw parallels between the cases of Gibraltar and Hong Kong, which will be returned to China today when the 99 year lease expires.  There are, of course, no parallels and it was a feeble attempt. HMG spokesman said; 'Gibraltar’s position is not changed in any way as a result of the Hong Kong handover.'

 1 Jul 2002 – Government figures published today appear to indicate that the Gibraltarian population has increased to 22,875; other British dropped to 3,370 and non-British is now 1,986 making the total population some 28,231. Let’s see.

 1 Jul 2002 – Village Policeman Richard Thomas, from Ystalyfera South Wales, has spent 26 days cycling from his village down to Gibraltar, to raise funds for a local Ysteddford.

 2 Jul 1809 - The 2^nd Battalion of the 9^th (East Norfolk) Regiment of Foot arrived in Gibraltar from Lisbon. The Battalion was to remain here as part of the garrison until 1813, when it returned to UK. During this period the Battalion sent its Grenadier and Light Companies as part of a force commanded by General Graham to support the Spanish forces in Cadiz. This force defeated the French at the Battle of Barossa in 1811.  The Battalion also took part in abortive raids on Malaga in 1809 and Tarragona in 1811 as well as providing men for the defence of Tarifa.

 2 Jul 1821 - The Gibraltar Chronicle first issued as a daily newspaper

 2 Jul 1899 – Private A. Bygate, 1^st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was bathing in the sea at Gibraltar when he became exhausted 300 yards from shore. Privates F. Danks and R. Hogg, same Battalion, at great risk swam out and succeeded in rescuing him. They received the RHS Bronze Medal in Case No. 30238.

 2 Jul 1917 - Local papers El Calpense and El Annunciador reduced the size of their publications owing to a scarcity of paper.

 2 Jul 1929 – The arrival of HMS Eagle with rescued Spanish aviators and their seaplane, a Dornier J-Wal (No. 16) on board. The principal pilot was Ramon Franco, younger brother of the Spanish dictator, who was a hero of various long distance flights.  An enthusiastic reception was accorded by inhabitants and thousands of foreigners who had come in from Spain. HMS Eagle had been the Chilean ex-Almirante Cochrane, a pre-WW1 battleship purchased by UK in 1918 and converted into an aircraft carrier in 1924. A year later, a royal warrant was issued allowing the officers of the Eagle to wear the decorations that they had been awarded by Spain.

 2 Jul 1933 – The Band, Drums and Pioneers of the Royal Welch Fusiliers visited Ronda, scoring a great success with their concert in the bullring.

 2 Jul 1935 – Lt-Cdr A.D. Steele, RNR, appointed Captain of the Port vice Cdr. H. Biron, retired.

 2 Jul 1953 – Spanish lorry driver Vasquez Mayo was tried for the murder of Menahem Creciente was found guilty and sentenced to death. Subsequently, over 16,000 signatures were appended to a memorial asking for a reprieve of the death sentence. It is understood that some 5,000 of the signatories were Spanish nationals. Eventually, on July 9^th, the Acting Governor, Brigadier Stayner, commuted the sentence to penal servitude for life. This meant Mayo would serve 21 years in Moorish Castle, though possibly with some remission for good conduct.

 2 Jul 1965 – Witnessed a major protest at the frontier gates over the delaying tactics employed by Spain to French vehicles arriving from Morocco en route to Spain. It started when 34 French cars, which had waited all night, were allowed in and then faced a day long wait in the neutral ground. The French then lay down in the road near the Aduana and stopped all traffic for about one hour. This brought a crowd and a small demonstration and in the afternoon things really got going, led initially by Gibraltar taxi drivers. The crowd eventually reached 2,000 at the frontier with placards, waiting for the first French cars from that day’s Mons Calpe at about 6pm.They were met by a cheering line hundreds holding a lengthy Tricolour, with La Marseilles playing loudly from a tape recorder. When the Spaniards showed that they would not allow any of the cars through, demonstrators sat before the gates and refused to let any traffic pass. The Police intervened and several demonstrators were carried off forcibly but the blockade continued. At 9pm the Spanish authorities allowed the 41 waiting cars to enter Spain… however the demonstrators stayed on, refusing to allow any vehicles, apart from tourists, to pass.

 2 Jul 2004 – The USS Albany, a Los Angeles Class nuclear submarine, arrived in port today looking forward to celebrating the 4^th July, with friends on the Rock.

 2 Jul 2006 – The nuclear powered submarine HMS Superb arrived in port today for a short rest period before her next operational task. No objections here of course, but across the way Verdemar got in a real pickle about it. They say that of late there have been a number of submarines in the area but they have not berthed at Gibraltar because they have been victualled at Europa Point “near the Bay of Algeciras,” wherever that is.  HMS Superb is the 3^rd Swiftsure Class nuclear submarine, commissioned in 1976.

 3 Jul 1882 – There was a Grand Naval Review at North Front.

 3 Jul 1915 - Enrolment began for Gibraltar Volunteer Corps; the 1st time in our history that such a corps had been officially recognised and enrolled. Initiated by a group of local members from the Calpe Rowing Club, to prepare for the defence of Gibraltar, the GVC were officially recognised by the Governor, Lt General Sir Herbert Miles, at a march held upon the upper emplacement of Wellington Front. The GVC were commanded by Majors GB Roberts and TE Cooper and comprised four rifle companies, A, B, C and D. Each company was led by a Captain, was composed of 2 subalterns, 1 Sergeant Major, 4 Sergeants, 8 Corporals, 2 Buglers and about 80 men. It had been agreed that the unit would only formally exist for the duration of the war and so, on the 1st Feb 1920, it was disbanded. 

 3 Jul 1931 – The hanging occurred of Ernest Opisso for murder of Maria Bossano. This was controversial at the time and more recently became the subject of a book by Joe Caruana.

 3 Jul 1940 - British warships including the Hood, Ark Royal and Valiant bombarded the Vichy French bases at Mers el Kabir and Oran. This was because the French had refused to hand over their fleet to stop it falling into enemy hands. Hit by 15" salvoes, the Bretagne, Dunkerque and Provence were all sunk with the loss of 1,282 officers and men. This caused considerable bitterness in France, many pilots volunteering to bomb Gibraltar, which they did on the night of 24/25 September 1940 dropping 200 tons of bombs on the fortress.

 3 Jul 1975 - The first GB Airways flight to London.

 3 Jul 1998 – The Cable and Wireless Adventurer arrived back on the Rock having completed an (approx.) 26.000 mile circumnavigation of the globe in 74 days, 20 hours and 58 minutes. This broke the previous circumnavigation record of 83 days, 9 hours and 54 minutes, set by the nuclear powered submarine USS Triton, in 1960. One of the crew, Adrian M0reno GibNynex / Gibtelecom, had won his place by competition.

 3 Jul 2003 – The Polish naval training ship ORP Wodnik 25 arrived in port today to take part in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the 60^th anniversary of Gen Sikorski’s death in Gibraltar. A much larger contingent including politicians and diplomats had been discouraged from attending by the Spaniards. Britain was represented by F&CO minister Denis McShane (born Josef Denis Matyjaszek) on his first official visit to the Rock, under the pretence of discussing a wide range of views on the Gibraltar issue.  In reality the F&CO preferred not to offend Spain by sending an official delegation, but had to send a minister so as not to offend Poland. Those in diplomatic circles are frequently seen to behave like children.

 4 Jul 1782 - Sergeant Ince's gallery is proceeding satisfactorily.

 4 Jul 1893 - The extension of the New Mole commenced.

 4 Jul 1914 – A letter, dated this day, is the first reference to the Gibraltar Sea Scouts. Major O.H. Pedley the Scout Commissioner for Gibraltar, wrote to the Secretary of the Boy Scouts Association that, “No. 3 and No. 4 troops are in the process of formation and we shall probably have some Sea Scouts in the near future”. Within a year, the 5^th Gibraltar Sea Scouts was raised with Mr Ratcliffe R.N. as Scoutmaster.

 4 Jul 1931 – Governor H.E. General Sir AJ Godley visited the Chronicle printing works to see the new intertype composing machine.

 4 Jul 1940 – French aircraft attacked Gibraltar, in retaliation for the sinking of the French fleet at Mers el Kbir, but causing no damage.

 4 Jul 1943 – Soviet ambassador Maisky arrives en route from London to Moscow by air.

 4 Jul 1943 – Consolidated B.24 Liberator AL 523 of RAE 511, carrying General Sikorski, en route to Hendon, UK, pan-caked into the sea 1 mile east of the Rock just 16 seconds after take-off killing all but the pilot who insisted that the control column had jammed. The accident is widely believed to have been orchestrated by the Allied Secret Service. In 2008 Poland began an investigation into the crash. (One theory suggests that a loose mailbag slid, at rotation, and jammed the controls – but most people prefer to believe the conspiracy theories).  

Captain Eduard Prchal, the only survivor, confirmed he received the green light from the tower and began the take-off roll. He pulled the stick back and the aircraft began to climb. At an altitude of 150 feet, he pushed the controls of the aircraft forward to gain speed when he discovered that he was unable to pull the stick back. The steering mechanism was jammed or locked. The aircraft lost height rapidly. The Captain closed the four throttles and warned the others through the intercom 'Attention Crash.' The aircraft crashed into the sea 16 seconds after take-off. The Captain was the only survivor as all other sixteen occupants were killed, among them the Polish General and Prime Minister Wladyslaw Sikorski, his daughter Zofia and his Chief of Staff, Major Tadeusz Klimecki. The crew were from the 511th Squadron.

A British Court of Enquiry convened on the 7th July 1943 to investigate the crash, following the order of Air Marshall Sir John Slessor on the 5th July. On the 25th July 1943 the Court concluded that the accidnet was caused by the 'jamming of elevator controls' which led to the aircraft being uncontrollable after take-off. The report noted that 'it has not been possible to determine how the jammin occurred' but it ruled out sabotage. Slessor was not satisfied with the report and 28th July ordered the court to continue its investigation to find out if the controls were indeed jammed or not, and if they were, then for what reason. Despite further investigation the Court were unable to resolve Slessor's doubts. The Polish government refused to endorse this report because of the contradictions cited therein and the lack of conclusive findings.

4 Jul 1969 - Diario reports that a collision ocurred between the Gibraltar Guard Ship Arbingham (Birmingham?) and the Guardia Civil boat Lti-5. No injury was reported but this was a demonstration of what could happen if tempers flared. This was during the period of tension leading to Franco's closing of the border on 1st October.

 4 Jul 1978 - Democratic Party of British Gibraltar formed.

 4 Jul 1998 – In Casemates Square, a monument to Gibraltarians who served in the Gibraltar Defence Force (GDF) during WW2 and their successors in the Gibraltar Regiment, was unveiled by Chief Minister Peter Caruana. The GDF was effectively a Territorial Unit of the Royal Artillery, founded in 1939 by the then Governor Sir Edmond Ironside.

 4 Jul 2002 – The government published its Abstract of Statistics for 2001. We learned that there were 786 confirmed atheists in Gibraltar, 21,464 Roman Catholics, 1,920 Anglicans, some 883 other Christians, 1,102 Moslems, 584 Jews, 487 Hindus and 286 other religions. The abstract also contains information about changing trends, births marriages and deaths, life expectancy & a wealth of data about housing, education, health, government revenues, etc.

 5 Jul 1875 – There was a disturbance during a Public Ball at Theatre Royal.

 5 Jul 1933 – The death occurred of Mr James Cunningham.

 5 July 1943 – The coffin of General Sikorski was marched up Main Street to lie in state at the Cathedral where it stayed until the 8^th when it was transferred to the Polish destroyer Orkan that had arrived the previous evening. The remains were blessed by Bishop Fitzgerald, at the quayside before Orkan left Berth 41 directly opposite the dockyard tower.

 5 Jul 1963 – The Spanish Pavilion, now the site of M & S, was sold to an English buyer for a sum which ran into six figures.

 5 Jul 1969 – In a new move to take over the Rock, Franco’s government offered Spanish nationality to Gibraltarians and said that they could transfer their businesses, residence and belongings to Spain. Manuel Fraga Iribarne issued a statement which said Spain was ‘opening its arms to Gibraltarians since it was unable to reach agreement with Britain’. This provoked a pro-British demonstration by 2000 Gibraltarians who marched from Casemates to the Convent carrying placards clearly indicating what they thought of Spain’s offer. At least one placard referred to where the monkey placed his nuts.

 5 July 1982 – UK Prime Minister Mrs Thatcher continued her staunch defence of the Rock. In parliament today she said ‘Spain cannot enter the Common Market as long as her side of the border with Gibraltar remains closed.’

 5 July 1982 – Five proven cases of Meningitis have led to an ‘epidemic’ scare in Varyl Begg estate. However all five cases are now progressing well and Minister for Health, Brian Perez, is cautiously optimistic that it is under control.

 5 Jul 2006 – Today, an RAF Nimrod suffered problems as it came in to land at North Front, forcing the pilot to dump fuel over the runway before making an emergency landing. Vehicles from the Defence Fire Service sprayed dispersants to clean up the fuel. The MoD described it as a minor emergency and released no further details.

 6 Jul 1553 - King Edward VIth died.

 6 Jul 1801 – There was a famous naval action off Algeciras.

 6 Jul 1893 - Royal salutes fired on the occasion of the wedding of HRH Duke of York and HSH Princess Victoria Mary of Teck.

 6 Jul 1919 – Thanksgiving services in Cathedrals, churches and synagogues for the conclusion of peace with Germany.

 6 Jul 1927 – The death occurred of Very Rev. Mgr. J Chincota; his remains being taken into the Catholic Cathedral and a vigil kept overnight.

 6 Jul 1933 – The French SS Paquet and American SS West Ekonk were stranded respectively at Cape Spartel and Punta Ceres. The latter was refloated and arrived at Gibraltar but the former became a total loss. West Ekonk (5,630Gt) was built for the United States Shipping Board (USSB) for emergency use during WW1. Between the wars she traded mostly between Galveston and Liverpool, carrying passengers as well as cargo. Her single steam turbine drove a single screw giving her 11.5 knots.

 6 Jul 1954 – A two and a half ton rock, measuring 4 x 4 x 11/2 feet, was loaded into the hold of the American Export Liner Independence, for shipment to New York. The piece – the third to go in the last few years – was a gift from Gibraltar to the Prudential Insurance Company whose slogan is “As safe as the Rock of Gibraltar”. It is to form the foundation stone of Prudential’s new offices in New York. In 1950 a piece was sent to Toronto when Prudential opened up in Canada and in 1948 a piece went to become the foundation stone of new offices in Los Angeles.

 6 Jul 1959 – The new traffic island in Glacis’s corner by Gibraltar Motorways and one of the newest Spanish buses, all came to grief when the bus coming from Market Place ploughed across the island to be brought up by the lamppost. The front of the bus and windscreen were damaged but luckily the bus was empty apart from the driver, who was unhurt.

 6 Jul 1982 – Teachers at the Girl’s Comprehensive are preparing for the change over to the new Westside School in time for next term. Books and equipment have been stacked for the near £6M move. The one remaining problem is that labourers have blacked the crates. Unless the blacking is removed and work to complete the school is finished, it may not be ready for occupation next term.

 6 Jul 2001 – Two giant squid swam directly into the sights of Joe Pitto, Secretary of the Gibraltar Spearfishing Association, today. The result was inevitable and Joe brought in the two specimens which both weighed-in at just over 60Kgs.

 6 Jul 2002- Tenants at Knight’s Court complained that Building & Works have been negligent in carrying out refurbishment work (started Jan 2001) but only informing tenants in May 2002 that their balcony panels contained asbestos. In his report, the Ombudsman found that B&W failed in several areas. (1) They failed to carry out a suitable risk assessment, specific to that job, before commencing work. (2) If this was carried out then they failed to identify asbestos when work started. (3) They failed in not taking prompt and efficient action immediately after the asbestos was found.

 7 Jul 1781 (Gt Siege) The inward bound sloop Helena was observed becalmed in the Bay. The commander Capt. Roberts, had sweeps out and the crew were pulling for the safety of the harbour but Spanish abecqillas (bees)were moving swiftly out from Algeciras to intercept his course. A westerly breeze sprang up and Vanguard and Repulse put out to render assistance. Despite heavy shot splintering the fragile scantlings of the sloop, Roberts was able to bring Helena into safety with the loss of just one man killed (the boatswain) and two lightly wounded. Almost all Helena’s sails and rigging were shot to shreds. Shortly afterwards a boat bearing a flag of truce put out from Algeciras and approached the Rock. The Spanish officer called out to enquire why the garrison had fired on neutral ships. Eliott’s response to the rather irrelevant question was that they should stay out of range in future.

 7 Jul 1864 – The Police office was removed to Market St. from Secretary Lane. The new office was opened by H.E. Sir William Codrington and is still in use today, (Apr 99) known as CPS. This year (2017) the building is to be sold off to a private developer. It sold for £1M and reopened after refurburishment and extensions and is now (2021) an office for Deloitte.

 7 Jul 1929 – Thanksgiving services were held in all churches for the recovery of HM King George Vth from his illness.

 7 Jul 1952 - Employment injuries insurance scheme introduced.

 7 Jul 1961 – Mrs Isabel Duo, a 56 year old Gibraltarian living in La Linea, was struck down by a falling shutter in Main Street. As she walked along the pavement near Rock Radios Ltd, a shutter suddenly detached from a third floor window, hitting a ledge on its way, before striking Mrs Duo. An ambulance was called and in hospital it was found that she was bruised on the left hand side, possibly with broken ribs. She was detained for observation.

 7 Jul 1982 – HMS Plymouth, returning from the Falklands, arrived in Gibraltar today. The surrender of Argentine forces in South Georgia had been accepted aboard Plymouth during the operation. Previously, off the Falklands, Plymouth was damaged and sustained casualties. Meanwhile UK Minister Peter Blaker confirmed that RN Dockyard Gibraltar will be used to repair and refit some of the vessels returning from the conflict. The Gibraltar Fund for the Falklands Task Force now stands at £53,761 and growing.

 7 Jul 2004 – The Governor today accepted the resignation of the Speaker of the House of assembly, Judge John Alcantara. This follows an event in the house last Friday (2^nd) when the CM made accusations against the Leader of the Opposition, refused to withdraw them when named by the Speaker and finally used government’s majority to vote against the Speaker in a vote of confidence.

 7 Jul 2013 – A Spanish fishing boat, the San Francisco and an open hulled rowing boat, were seized at around 4am this morning following an operation to combat tobacco smuggling.

The master and two of her crew were arrested on board the San Francisco, off Catalan Bay and three local men were arrested on the beach at La Caleta. This particular fishing boat had been the subject of intelligence previously provided by the Guardia Civil.

 7 Jul 2013 – A Guardia Civil officer who works at the frontier has been arrested, along with nine other persons, for organised tobacco smuggling. Using secret compartments built into vehicles, they would pre-arrange crossing times and the officer would wave them through. The investigation commenced in 2011 and people wondered why it took two years to complete. It has been speculated that the smuggling ring was allowed to continue to massage frontier smuggling figures.  

 8 Jul 1829 – H.E. Sir George Don issued a proclamation forbidding any assistance being offered to ships in the slave trade, nor are slaving ships to be allowed in the harbour.

 8 Jul 1891 – The British steamer Utopia was successfully raised from the bay. Many people in Gibraltar would still not eat locally caught fish.

 8 Jul 1913 - The title of City was given to the neighbouring Spanish town of La Linea. Though its motto: ‘La Muy Noble y Mas Leal Cuidad de San Roque, donde reside la de Gibraltar’ had been current for 200 years.

8 Jul 1940 – Reports from La Linea say that French ‘planes heavily bombed Gibraltar yesterday (Sunday) apparently hitting a destroyer. Destroyers are constantly patrolling around the Rock and the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal has arrived. Hostile aircraft visited Gibraltar for the third successive day; anti aircraft guns opened up and no bombs were dropped.

8 Jul 1939 – Sixteen former Spanish Republican officers landed at Gibraltar after swimming for hours from Algeciras. One died of exhaustion on the beach. All carried loaded revolvers. Large crowds gathered at elevated positions watching for others who were reported to be swimming to Gibraltar. The Spanish Civil War had ended in April but repercussions, including disappearances and executions, would continue for decades.    

 8 Jul 1940 – The anti-aircraft guns of Gibraltar and those of surrounding ships drove off enemy raiders three times today. A French ‘plane was shot down in the Strait. (United Press)

 8 Jul 1943 – A Douglas DC-3 Reg. FD888, operated by the RAF, overshot on landing at North Front and crashed into the sea. There were no casualties.

 8 Jul 1963 – In the early hours of this morning Captain H Riley, 63 year old master of the British Freighter SS Patrician (3,604 tons) and two of his officers lost their lives when their ship sank after being in a collision with the US Liberty ship Santa Emilia (7,251 tons) during dense fog in the Strait. Thirty four of the Patrician survivors were brought to Gibraltar by the Santa Emilia and the majority were accommodated at the Merchant Navy Club. Patrician was an Ellerman Lines vessel, on route from Constanta to Dublin and she sank just four miles off Tarifa. A traffic separation zone was introduced a few years later; the first - Dover Strait - was only introduced in 1967.

 8 Jul 1965 – A Coalition Government was formed as a direct result of recent events in Gibraltar connected with ever increasing restrictions imposed by Spain at the frontier.

 8 Jul 1982 – Gibraltarian Templars participated in an event at Warwick Castle, with Heralds in blazing colours and knights in armour with flowing red and crimson capes. Three new templars; Hector Cortes, David Hoare and John Rose bowed their heads to the great sword in the private chapel of the Earls of Warwick. The Court’s ADC, Gibraltar Grand Prior Michael Mifsud was awarded a commemorative bronze medallion, with the arms of the order and an inscription on the reverse.

 8 Jul 2002 – A new Guardia Civil launch, the AO3, was seen today patrolling the area between the runway and the Spanish Mole. She looks about 65 feet, is equipped with the new SIVE system (Systema Vigilancia Integrado Exterior) as well as a 40mm deck cannon and a transom ramp to launch and recover inflatables. SIVE uses radar and infra red CCTV to plot vessels approaching the Spanish shore, its computer then predicts the time and place of landfall allowing accurate interception. SIVE has 3 ground stations, Bolonia, Tarifa & Algeciras (and of course the unacknowledged installation in Gibraltar by the NATO tanks) as well as land and maritime mobiles. All in all she seems a well-found vessel.

9 Jul 1895 - Brutal double murder was committed in a room in Cornwalls Lane. The two Maltese victims were Giavanni Debono (52) & Giuseppi Spiteri (11). Spaniard Jose Calvo was subsequently found guilty and hanged.

 9 Jul 1919 – Rear Admiral Sir R Tyrwhitt took over command as Senior Naval Officer vice Vice Admiral Sir H Grant.

 9 Jul 1957 – The new NAAFI self service shop was opened in Library Street by the Governor’s wife, Lady Redman.

 9 Jul 1958 - The Royal Artillery Mess at Europa, known as Bleak House, was closed.

 9 Jul 1964 – It was announced that Gibraltar’s General Election would be held on the 10^th September. Under the new constitution, it would provide for eleven elected members.

 9 Jul 1982 – Two Spanish Cruz Roja lifeguards in their Gemini inflatable, who got into difficulty in poor weather on the east side, were assisted by two Gibraltar lifeguards in their Gemini, who brought them in. They were later towed back to Spanish waters by the Police launch.

 9 Jul 2005 – A fire on the Rock behind the Rock Hotel was extinguished by the CFB with the help of a Defence Fire Service tender from the airport.

 9 July 2013 – The go-ahead has been given for the government’s new 700 berth small boats marina off Coaling Island. It opened as Mid Harbours Marina in 2016.

 10 Jul 1502 - The Coat of Arms and Seal of Gibraltar was granted by Los Reyes Catolicas.

 10 Jul 1756 – On this day, after the capture of Menorca by the French (on 29 June 1756) 4000 of His Majesty’s subjects left Mahon on board 32 French transports bound for Gibraltar. 

 10 Jul 1756 – During an earthquake in Lisbon ‘smoke rose and hid the sun and left a sulphurous smell.’

 10 Jul 1816 - A meeting was held of Deputy Governors & Officers of  the Civil Hospital at which architect Mario Boschetti reported the building was now completed.

 10 Jul 1900 – Privates Grant and Polson, of the 2^nd Battalion Cameron Highlanders, were bathing at Camp Bay when they were carried out some 40 yards from the shore. At great risk to themselves, Privates McGuire and Hilton, (same battalion), swam out and succeeded in rescuing them. They were awarded RHS Bronze Medals. This is Case No. 30772.

 10 Jul 1933 - The Hon J Discombe, acting Attorney General, appointed to act as Chief Justice.

 10 Jul 1933 – The Spanish SS Areluse Mendi stranded on Eastern Beach during heavy fog but was re-floated at high tide. 

 10 Jul 1934 – The news reported the arrival of H.H. Abdullah, G.B.E, K.C.M.G, and Emir of the British Protectorate of Trans Jordania (now known as Trans-Jordan).

 10 Jul 1967 - David Smith established a record, swimming 42 miles Tangier to Gibraltar in 8hrs (following the currents), it still stands today - Apr 1999.

 10 Jul 2000 – A Panorama exclusive reported that a Japanese fleet, of 50-60 vessels, is to transfer its operations from the Canary Islands to Gibraltar. Officials remained silent over speculation that the fleet would make use of the ex-MoD ‘fridge plant at Coaling Island, but John Piris has been told to remove his vessel, MV Brunito, from immediately opposite the plant and a maintenance deal for the fleet is allegedly being worked out with Cammell Llaird. It didn’t happen… the plant is now used by Sheppards and others.

 10 Jul 2002 – A small fire broke out at the refineria, yesterday at 2.30pm. Local emergency services were alerted by the unusual amount of smoke being emitted from the building, and the RGP sent a launch to monitor. At 3.10pm the Guardia Civil called to say the fire was now under control.

 10 Jul 2002 – Over 1000 plants from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew were delivered to the Alameda today. The Gibraltar Botanical Gardens can now boast having more than half the known species, some 400 plus, cultivated in the world. Originally, when Curator Brian Lamb went to Kew, we were to have had their Aloe and Euphorbia collections, however the numbers steadily grew. The plants are presently being acclimatised in shade houses (large tents) and will be put out on display next year.

 10 Jul 2004 – A return visit to Gibraltar by the Trafalgar Class submarine HMS Tireless began today. The Spaniards have made a big fuss about the perceived danger yet funnily enough made no comment last week when an American Los Angeles Class nuclear submarine visited to celebrate 4^th July. Spanish F.O. Minister Moratinos made a speech in which he linked nuclear subs visiting the Rock to the 3 month moratorium on Spain’s ban on cruise liners visiting Spanish ports after calling in Gibraltar.

 11 Jul 1779 - The French and Spaniards commence the Great Siege with armies of 33,000 French and 28,300 Spanish troops. The garrison consisted of 8,734 men and a naval force of 5 warships. (Mrs Skinner discharged the first gun from the fortress on 12th September 1779 and the siege was raised on 12^th March 1783 after preliminaries of general peace had been signed.)

 11 Jul 1919 – The first attacks by Raisuli’s Berber tribesmen on Spanish possessions in Morocco. (Raisuli was a powerful Berber tribal leader and governor of Jabala district) The Spanish immediately began military operations against him and by the following year had sharply reduced his power.

 11 Jul 1921 - Road widening commenced at the entrance to Main Street.

 11 Jul 1927 – The extradition of a Spanish Marquis occurred today.

 11 Jul 1936 – The news was published that replicas of the Keys of Gibraltar and other models had been received by the Imperial Institute through the offices of the Colonial Secretary Lt. Col. the Hon. A.E. Beattie.

 11 Jul 1936 – Government notices were issued ceasing the restrictive measures in Gibraltar in connection with the dispute between Italy and Ethiopia, as of today.

 11 July 1940 – British vessels arrived with thousands of civilian evacuees from Gibraltar who had been expelled from Casablanca by the Vichy administration.

 12 Jul 1693 - Gibraltar bombarded by the French.

 12 Jul 1801 – British ships inflicted heavy damage on Spanish and French ships in the second battle of Algeciras.

 12 Jul 1890 - Accidental death of a British Private from a shot fired by Spanish carabineros who were pursuing some smugglers.

 12 Jul 1900 – Today saw the departure of Sir Robert Biddulph who was conveyed to the P&O Himalaya by Royal Artillery Officers in the R.A. boat. He had taken much interest in the welfare of Gibraltar and several important works were carried out under his sanction and supervision

 12 Jul 1905 – There was a fatal accident on board HMS Implacable (1899); 2 men were killed and 7 injured when a boiler exploded. She suffered another boiler explosion on 16th August 1906. She was eventually entered into Chatham Dockyard for a refit in 1908.

12 July 1941 – An Italian Savoia-Marchetti aircraft raiding Gibraltar dropped three bombs on La Linea. Two were embedded in the sand of the Poniente beach and didn’t explode. The third fell on houses at the corner of Duque de Tetuan and Lopez de Ayala streets; killing five and injuring eleven, as well as destroying property.

 12 Jul 1966 - British counter proposals to Spain on Gibraltar issue.

12 Jul 2002 - On 12 July the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, in a formal statement in the House of Commons, said that 'after twelve months of negotiation the British Government and Spain are in broad agreement on many of the principles that should underpin a lasting settlement of Spain's sovereignty claim over Gibraltar.' Political commentators saw this as an attempt by Britain to get Spain to help counterbalance France and Germany's domination of the EU. Straw visited Gibraltar to explain his ideas and was left in no doubt that they had no support.

 12 Jul 2002 – Jack Straw’s infamous Westminster Declaration was delivered to the Commons early today, when less than two dozen MPs were in the House. (Most MPs having left for the weekend to be in their constituencies) Fortunately, key Gibraltar supporters Gerald Kaufman, Lindsay Hoyle and others were there to challenge him.

 13 Jul 1713 – Gibraltar was finally ceded to English Crown by the Treaty of Utrecht, signed today.

 13 Jul 1727 – (13^th Siege) A soldier of the 73^rd Regt. Declared himself a prophet and announced that within 6 weeks, 6 days and 6 hours Gibraltar would be taken and the Governor killed. He was taken to the provost ship to wait out the time of his prophecy and then flogged. No doubt this was an effective way of curing the gift of prophecy.

 13 Jul 1818 - Gibraltarian Simi Cohen Levi joined the monastery at Medina Sidonia to become Hma. Maria Dolores Amor de Dios and may soon become Saint Simi. 

 13 Jul 1841 – HMS Implacable (74), Capt. E Harvey, arrived in Gibraltar and then sailed directly for Malta.

 13 Jul 1852 - HRH Archduke of Austria arrived.

 13 July 1908 – A boat with 8 men on board capsized off Europa Point. One man swam ashore, one drowned and six clung to the boat. A boat went to their aid from which Bombadier TR Petts, RGA, jumped into the water and assisted them all in getting on board. Bombadier Petts was awarded a RHS medal. Case No 36271.

 13 Jul 1933 - Their Excellencies General Nunez Prado and Gomez Morato and Mr Manteca Vega, Civil Governor of Cadiz, visited the Governor and Rear-Admiral i/c of HM Dockyard.

 13 Jul 1936 – Mr A.M.K. Fleming was appointed a medical officer at the Colonial Hospital.

 13 Jul 1940 - Following the creation of Vichy France, Gibraltarian civilian evacuees were expelled from Morocco and returned to Gibraltar prior to movement to other locations. Some were re-evacuated to Madeira and some to London. On the 9th of October, 1093 were evacuated to Jamaica.

  13 Jul 1918 – A subscription was opened by The Gibraltar Chronicle for British Mercantile Marine; £1,840 was collected.

 13 Jul 1971 – La Linea daily Area reports:  ‘Garriver’ columnist Jose Garcia Rivero states that “the Spanish flag will be flying over El Penon within 5 years”. His particular prophet is, apparently, a French diplomat holidaying in the Campo. Was the Frenchman mistaken or could poor Jose have been deliberately misled?

 13 Jul 1982 – Overseas Motors announced that to celebrate Italy’s victory in the World Cup, all new Fiats bought in the next fortnight would be fitted with a free stereo radio cassette plus receive a free full tank of petrol. This was an unusual gift from a careful dealership.

 13 Jul 2002 – Spain today accused Morocco of provocation, after 12 marines landed on Leila (Isla de Perejil in Spanish) some 3 miles from Ceuta and 22 from the Rock, controlled by Spain since the 17^th C. The marines occupied the islet, which is 500 x 300 yards wide and 200 yards off the Moroccan beach, erecting two tents and a flagstaff. Spain was incensed that the marines refused to leave when asked to do so by the Guardia Civil. Spain subsequently sent 2x frigates (one is the Navarra) 2x corvettes and a submarine to the area. This has failed to impress the Moroccans who are still there.

 13 Jul 2002 – Governor, Dave Durie, was at the receiving end of insults from a crowd of more than 200 during today’s ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the Convent. Calls of “traitor, traitor, you don’t deserve to be in that balcony...” were heard. This followed his controversial comments yesterday in favour of “a solution acceptable to all sides” which caused widespread public anger and the Gibraltar government to respond that this was “unacceptable political interference”. The governor had previously called for a “period of reflection and dialogue” after UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw had stated that joint Anglo-Spanish sovereignty was the only way to achieve a lasting settlement. The protest ended peacefully, possibly due to the enormous police presence. (David Durie was a FCO desk-jockey, unqualified for the role of governor, who was promised a knighthood if he subdued the natives on the Rock. Although he failed, he still got his knighthood from the Queen and an addition one from Spain; Order of Calatrava).

 13 Jul 2004 – It was revealed in the Daily Telegraph that a mountain of documents, still kept secret by the UK government, include papers relating to the celebration of the 250^th anniversary of the capture of Gibraltar. This is all the more amazing when you consider that we are currently celebrating the 300^th anniversary.

 13 Jul 2009 – A storm has erupted in Spain following Government advice to Gibraltar boat owners after “further incidents of unlawful encroachment by the Guardia Civil this weekend.  The Government reminded all users of BGTW that no Spanish law enforcement agency has the authority to exercise any form of jurisdiction in Gibraltar Territorial Waters. Accordingly, all requests by Spanish authorities within BGTW to board vessels or produce documents, to answer questions of any nature or seek to enforce legislation on any subject, especially fishing and environmental laws, should be refused. Boat owners accosted in this way should immediately radio or telephone the RGP or fire off a distress flare, which will result in the immediate (perhaps) deployment of the RGP or other Gibraltar Government maritime resources.” said the government.  

 14 Jul 1930 – The new Fortress HQ opened in Line Wall House (DoK House) this Bastille Day.

 14 Jul 1935 – The death occurred at Algeciras of Mr John Morrison, MBE.

 14 Jul 2001 – French Consul Tito Wiley held his traditional Bastille Day reception at the Garrison Library. He spoke of the excellent relations between Britain and France and pointed out that millions of British, French and other nationalities crossed daily between the two countries, “without difficulties or hindrance”. He reminded those present that, very shortly, Britain and France will celebrate 100 years of the entente cordiale.  

 14 Jul 2002 – An 11,229 ton oil-rig arrived in the port this morning, at 9.30, while its tug bunkered. The Liberian registered, Pride North Sea sailed from Invergordon and leaves for Tunis at 5.00pm. She is 108 metres long and carries a crew of 34.

 14 Jul 2006 - Monarch’s incoming morning flight had to be grounded at Gibraltar when an electrical fault was discovered in the cockpit as the A320 taxied in. The airline made alternative arrangements for 133 passengers booked on the morning flight to Manchester. This was one of the last flights before the Manchester service is discontinued on 19^th July. Later in the day engineers flew out from UK to investigate then repair the fault.

 15 Jul 1782 - (Gt Siege) The enemy made a supreme effort to reduce the fortress by employing floating batteries of 138 guns and 5,190 men; land batteries of 246 guns and 40,000 men. The garrison had barely 96 guns.

15 Jul 1829 - Commanders McKenzie and Tryon formed the Gibraltar Yacht Club with the following announcement in the Gibraltar Chronicle of July 15^th. ‘The members of the GIBRALTAR YACHT CLUB will hold a meeting at Griffiths Hotel on Friday the 17th inst., at one o'clock p.m. when any officers of the Garrison wishing to join the Club are requested to attend.’  By order of Commodore McKenzie.

 15 Jul 1865 – Gibraltar benefactor John Mackintosh was born at No 22 Prince Edwards Road, where he spent much of his life. He was to make a fortune in supplying coal to steam ships and later by diversifying into petrol and diesel. (He built Gibraltar’s first petrol station on Winston Churchill Avenue, by the Corral) In 1920, as Chairman of Saccone & Speed he oversaw a thriving victualling business with offices in Gibraltar, Malta and UK. His principal endeavour was shipping; acquiring a Cornish shipping company that owned and managed cargo ships. He next bought a company to supply coal and then built the ships to transport the coal to Gibraltar, where it was sold to steamers. He controlled every stage of the supply chain. After withdrawing from the coal business he went into the property market. The Mackintosh Trust was founded to use his legacy for the benefit of Gibraltar. The major benefits were The John Mackintosh Hall, the John Mackintosh wing at St Bernard’s Hospital, the three John Mackintosh homes (Mount Alvernia, the Anglican and Jewish homes) and the Victoria Stadium, named after his wife. Less well known are the Student Scholarships and the Magistrates Poor Fund.   

 15 Jul 1872 – Saw the start of investigation into a curious robbery. In June 1869, three boxes containing $12,000 in gold & silver belonging to the Bank of Malaga were shipped from Gibraltar to Malaga on the SS Adriano by Mr William Francia. On arrival in Malaga $5000 was found to be missing. Suspicion fell on a servant, named Castanos, who left Mr Francia's employ shortly after the robbery. He was tried at two Criminal Sessions and discharged, others implicated with him having been released at First Sessions.   

 15 Jul 1888 - Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus formally consecrated.

 15 Jul 1927 – A brutal attack was made on John Cabedo, by a man named Candeas, who was captured through the assistance of ex-Inspector Hope. The assailant was tried at the December Sessions and sentenced to 15 years penal servitude.

 15 Jul 1932 – Duty on motor spirit fixed at 6d per gallon.

 15 Jul 1940 – Italian S-82 bombers conduct an attack against Gibraltar.

 16 Jul 1890 – Today saw the opening of a new portion of Waterport Wharf.

 16 Jul 1936 – Mr F.L. Pizzarello was appointed Commissioner of Stamp Duties.

 16 Jul 1936 – During the departure of the Home Fleet, messages were exchanged between H.E. the acting Governor and Admiral Sir Roger Backhouse.

 16 Jul 1936 - An unsuccessful attempt was made on the life of H.E. King Edward VIII. A telegram was sent to H.M. by the acting Governor congratulating him on his escape.

 16 Jul 1940 - Franco claimed Gibraltar.

 16 Jul 1969 - Constitution Talks opened; leading to elections under the new constitution, on 30th July.

 16 Jul 1982 – The release of the last of George Palao’s current series of historical works; Gibraltar: Genesis & Evolution. In 1975 he first published Guns & Towers of Gibraltar, then Gibraltar-Our Forgotten Past, Gibraltar-Our Heritage, then Gibraltar Tales of Our Past.   In 1976, George was awarded a BEM for his historical and archaeological Research.

 16 Jul 1997 - "The frontier restrictions on Gibraltar will only come to an end when the Rock returns to Spanish sovereignty"... Abel Matutes quoted in AREA…  Ha. Ha. I seem to recall that Abel Matutes made his fortune via tobacco warehouses on various Mediterranean islands… but that may be just male leche. 

 16 Jul 2002 – A fire in the Italian’s scrap-yard on the Devil’s Tower Road at 11.30 this morning turned into a major conflagration, closing the DTR for 3 hours and requiring both CFB and DFS to attend. The smoke choked Casemates and triggered Fire Alarms along Main Street and many occupants of the DTR had to be evacuated from the area.  At least four explosions were heard (possibly petrol tanks and propane cylinders) and smoke and flames rose up the north face; leading to fears of vegetation fires on the upper rock. The telephone system failed under the pressure of all the additional traffic.

 16 Jul 2005 – A young Englishman is critically ill in hospital following a serious car crash in Prince Edward’s Road. The car appears to have been travelling at high speed when it glanced off a parked car into the back of a stationary flatbed truck close to Forty Steps.

 16 Jul 2006 – HMS Illustrious sailed from Gibraltar today to support the evacuation of Britons trapped by fighting in Lebanon. There were tearful farewells as relatives and friends from UK who had travelled out to Gibraltar to return to UK on board the vessel next Monday, watched her depart in the early hours. They were all asked to go ashore as the vessel received new orders and headed off to the Middle East.

 16 Jul 2010 – The MoD have replaced the old galvanised flagpole at Rock Gun with a new one made from a single piece of extruded aluminium. The new pole is 2 metres taller than its predecessor, is designed for winds of up to 100kms/hr and is capable of flying a flag of up to 8sq.mtrs. The new pole weighs in at just 60Kg compared with the 300kg of the old galvanised unit. Weather at Rock Gun can be extreme and in winter the flag has to be replaced each month. In strong winds it is not unusual for a flag to be reduced to tatters after only a couple of days.

 17 Jul 1704 - Council of war aboard the Royal Catherine decides to attack Gibraltar.

 17 Jul 1816 - Civil Hospital opened by General Sir George Don.

 17 Jul 1917 - King George Vth adopted the family name Windsor in place of their German household name. (Sax Gothe)

 17 Jul 1936 – An army uprising in Morocco was the beginning of the Spanish Civil War. A military uprising occurred of the Spanish Legion in Morocco. General Manuel Romerales, commanding officer of the East Army, was murdered by rebels, who also imprisoned commanding General Gomez in the late afternoon. Loyal police troops from the Guardia Civil and Guardia de Asalto held the cities Tetouan and Larache, but came under heavy attack by the rebels. General Franco ordered the killing of his own nephew, a major in Tetouan, for staying loyal to the government. By late evening, all of Morocco is in the hands of the rebels. From the Canary Islands, Franco declares a "state of war" for all of Spain. Prime Minister Santiago Casares Quiroga spent the whole day telephoning different regional military administrations to clarify the situation. Pamplona, Zaragoza, Oviedo, Salamance, Avila, Segovia, and Cadiz were already in rebel hands.

 17 Jul 1940 – Franco made a speech threatening to claim Gibraltar and Morocco by force of arms.

  17 Jul 1941 - General Franco said about WW2 "The American continent cannot dream of intervention without exposing itself to catastrophe. The Allies have lost the war. The blood of our youths (20,000 Blue Division) is going to be mingled with that of our comrades of the Axis (Germany, Italy, Japan) as a living expression of solidarity Our Movement achieves an unexpected vindication in the world today." Around a Month later Franco sent Admiral Tojo his congratulations for the bombing of Pearl Harbour: the act which brought the US into war.

 *** Perhaps surprisingly, by 1953 the US had bases in Spain and by 1959 President Eisenhower was pictured in Madrid, hugging the Generalissimo; que limpia chaqueta.

 17 Jul 1963 – Britain’s first (and at that time only) nuclear powered submarine HMS Dreadnought (S101) arrived in the Admiralty harbour for a stay of several days. Displacing 3500 tons (surfaced) and 4000 tons (submerged) she was twice the size of conventional submarines. Powered by a Westinghouse S5W reactor, she had a speed of 20 knots surfaced and 28knots submerged. She was withdrawn from service in 1980 her nuclear power plant removed and is currently being prepared for preservation.

 17 Jul 1982 – About 40 people (both Spaniards & Gibraltarians) have been allowed through the frontier gate over the last six days. Over past years, the gates have only been opened in cases involving deaths. The La Linea Municipality has now urged the Spanish Foreign Ministry to help the Campo economy with a more flexible attitude at the frontier.

 17 Jul 2002 – Commuters on the N340 around 7.15 this morning were surprised to see a phalanx of military helicopters in formation overhead. This was the task force of special-forces troops who invaded Leila (Perejil) at 7.30 am to wrest control back from Morocco. The first indication that an invasion was imminent was the withdrawal of the Spanish Ambassador to Rabat. Considering the size of the islet and the occupying force (see above) many people think 2 frigates, 2 corvettes, a submarine and a special-forces helicoptered assault, was a sledgehammer to crack a walnut. On top, the Spanish may now have to maintain a force there to prevent re-occupation by Morocco.

 17 Jul 2005 – Today, Sunday, the USS Antietam (CG-43) arrived for a scheduled port visit. She is a Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser, based in San Diego. At 567 feet long and 55 feet on the beam, she weighs some 9,600 tons and has a crew of 400. She was named for a Civil War battle.

 18 Jul 1806 – A devastating explosion occurred in Malta. A working party of 13 men commanded by garrison gunner Bombardier Anderson was preparing a consignment of shells from Birgu magazine which was filled to capacity with 370 barrels containing 40,000 pounds of gunpowder as well as 1600 shells and grenades. Anderson was using a metal chisel to remove fuses from live shells, which was contrary to instructions, resulting in sparks which caused the massive explosion, at 0615. Anderson and the working party were killed instantly, as were 3 soldiers of the 39^th (Dorsetshire) Regiment and 23 Maltese soldiers of the 2^nd Provincial Battalion. Between 150 and 200 civilians of Birgu were killed and 100 injured by falling debris. The magazine was located within the city’s fortifications and sections of the wall went ‘up in the air’ and left a large breach. The city gate at the Porta Marina, a small bastion and part of the curtain wall were destroyed and were never rebuilt. Birgu’s cityscape was altered by the explosion since a large number of houses were destroyed or damaged by the explosion or rocks which fell from the bastions. Four hundred and ninety three people reported property losses due to the explosion.

 18 Jul 1870 - The Bayside Baths opened. It was a sea bathing establishment only open to women and girls but allowed male children up to the age of seven. Bathing hours were 5.30 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 5.30 to 1030 pm on Sundays.

 18 July 1899 - 3000 workers employed on the Dock Extension Works went on strike for more pay. The strike ended on 1st August when the men returned to work and ringleaders were dismissed by the contractor.

 18 Jul 1905 - A heat wave; the temperature rose from 81.4 to 87 Fahrenheit (30.5C.) for 2 hours.

 18 July 1905 - General Sir Frederick Forrestier Walker arrived in Gibraltar and was sworn in as the new Governor - for the next five years.

 18 Jul 1919 – Peace Celebrations: HE the Governor General Sir H Smith Dorrien proceeded to the Exchange Building where the proclamation was read, followed by a salute of 21 guns from King’s Bastion. H.E. addressed those present, and God Save the King was played by the R.A. band and sung by all. Special dinners were given at asylums and to troops and Navy & Army pensioners and at the Gibraltar Club. There was a Grand Peace Procession resulting in a glorious pageant. Illumination of the upper rock, alameda and dockyard and a fireworks display were held. Commemorative medals were presented to schoolchildren by H.E. Some £1,898-6-o was collected and £1,288-2-5 spent. The balance of £610-3-7 is being transferred to the War Memorial Fund.

 18 Jul 1936 – News was received of a military rising in Spain lead by Gen. Franco and other generals. General Quiepo de Llano assumed power in Seville. Algeciras was taken over in a quiet manner but there were disturbances in La Linea at night; fighting taking place in several streets with some casualties. Gibraltar residents who had attended the fair passed through anxious moments until their safe return to The Rock.  See also next below.

 18 Jul 1936 – The outbreak of Spanish Civil War coincided with the fair in La Linea. The first Briton injured was a honeymooner from Sutton village near Macclesfield whose husband bundled her into a taxi and drove non stop to the Civil Hospital in Gibraltar. When the shooting broke out hundred of Gibraltarians and Spaniards alike headed to the Rock. At the Custom House the lights had been turned off but the gates left open. At midnight the gates at Four Corners were closed and 1st Battalion KOYLI stood guard. In La Linea, Martial Law was declared shortly after midnight. Refugees, at various times from 1000 to 10,000 in number, fled to Gibraltar. … The war would eventually cost 1M lives.

 18 Jul 1936 – Adolf Hitler approved the Spanish Nationalist request for military assistance in the civil war that had begun one day earlier. Within ten days 20 Junkers Ju- 52s had been despatched to Spain, flown by Lufthansa (commercial) pilots and Luftwaffe volunteers. Shortly thereafter, six Heinkel He-51 bi-planes and twenty 20mm flak guns were shipped. Initially the 85 Luftwaffe volunteers were only to train Spanish pilots. However, within the first week one Spanish trainee killed himself and destroyed the ‘plane and two Spanish pilots crashed on their first mission. Because of these mishaps the Luftwaffe pilots sought and received permission to fly.

 18 Jul 1940 – French aircraft again bombed Gibraltar but most bombs fell in the sea.

 18 Jul 1969 – The Spanish Correo issued a postal challenge to Gibraltar for the 33^rd anniversary of the civil war. The two stamps, in pesetas and centimos, depicted the Rock and carried the legend Gibraltar Espana.

 18 Jul 2000 - At the church of El Rinconcillo, Fuerza Nueva church members, descendants of the Falange, lamented the death of Franco. They were saddened that Spain has already forgotten him "after all he did for this country".

 18 Jul 2001 – Following a lengthy trial in Arhus, Denmark, Jan Henning Spjeldnaes, former managing director of Jyske Bank Gibraltar, was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for fraud. The offences related to unauthorised (fraudulent) loans during 1988-91, to 40 companies set up by Jan and his associates, which eventually cost the bank many millions.

 18 Jul 2005 - An RAF Canberra PR9 flew into Gibraltar today to take some up-to-date aerial photographs of the Rock. The prototype Canberra PR3 – predecessor to this aircraft - first flew in 1950 and was a direct replacement for the wartime Mosquito P.R. aircraft. The PR9 was developed for photo-rec. at high altitude beyond the reach of fighter interception. This ‘plane belongs to No 39 (1PRU) Squadron based at RAF Marham.

 19 Jul 1864 - Fire broke out opposite Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned.

 19 Jul 1865 - The first case of cholera recorded in the 22nd Regiment at North Front.

 19 Jul 1921 – The Boy Scouts Band gave a concert at new Line Wall promenade.

 19 Jul 1935 – The tragic death of the Hon. D.L. Bethel, Colonial Treasurer, who was found shot in his private office. The funeral took place the following day attended by the Governor and Lady Harington.

 19 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Fighting continued in La Linea and several Spanish officers fled into Gibraltar early in the morning. By noon La Linea had been taken over. In the evening very heavy firing was heard which was due to the officer commanding Moorish regular troops having been killed by a civilian. Many casualties were caused when the troops retaliated. Several wounded were brought into the Colonial Hospital in Gibraltar, including the Marquis de Povar and Sr. Garcia Delgado, who was riddled with bullet holes and succumbed to his wounds. Telephonic and telegraphic communication with Spain were cut. Refugees started arriving in Gibraltar. Two destroyers of the Mediterranean Fleet were retained at Gibraltar.

 19 Jul 1940 – British troopship HMS Royal Ulsterman departed The Rock for Madeira with civilian evacuees. She was accompanied by destroyer HMS Velox.

 19 Jul 1961 – The Gibraltar Chronicle reported: ‘Gibraltar has become the operations centre for smuggling organizations. Gibraltar is not a free port, but is the next best thing. Imported goods are put in bond, for which a modest fee is charged. They can be removed and shipped out whenever the owner wishes. As long as they are not smuggled back into Gibraltar, the customs authorities do not worry too much where they go.’

 20 July 1852 – Today saw the birth of William Rooke Cresswell, to Edmund Cresswell Postmaster for Gibraltar and the Mediterranean, and Margaret Mary Ward, nee Fraser. William had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy until retirement in 1878. In 1879 he emigrated to Australia and by a chance meeting he eventually founded the Australian Navy. In 1911 as a Rear Admiral RAN, he was awarded KCMG and his hard work resulted in the RAN being ready for service in WW1. He retired in 1919 and became a sheep farmer. His brother Edmund played for the Royal Engineers in the first ever FA Cup final (1872 against Wanderers) and another brother was a Labour politician and became Minister of Defence in South Africa. His sister was Margaret Cresswell famous Gibraltar Post Mistress.

 20 Jul 1880 – An explosion in the British steamer St Oswin, (GT981, 1865) originating in the donkey-engine, instantly killed two crew and seriously injured fourteen labourers who were heaving coal at the time. The ship’s cook has since died and two crew members are lying in hospital in a precarious condition; both crew and two Maltese labourers eventually died. Two years later St Oswin was sold to Florio & Co. Italy.

 20 Jul 1922 – HRH Prince Humbert, heir apparent to the Italian throne, arrived on the Italian cruiser Francisco Ferrucio and stayed until 23^rd July. Humbert became the last king of Italy, reigning for one month 9^th May 1946 to 12^th June 1946 at which point the monarchy was abolished and Italy became a republic. He spent the rest of his life in exile in Cascais, Portugal.

 20 Jul 1962 – The Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci, 3553 tons, Captain Marco Revedin, arrived in Gibraltar for a three day visit. A frequent visitor, her last visit had been in October 1960. She carried a full complement of 500, including 29 officers, 41 petty officers and 104 cadets. In addition there were four civilian professors on board.

 20 Jul 1967 – Rev Bro. J K Horkan, the departing Headmaster of the Christian Bros. Prep school, Line Wall Road, left the Rock after 25 years service.

 20 July 1998 – Mr Abe Massias announced the expansion of Both Worlds with the addition of 300 units built across the road on the sand slopes. The project is being sold under the slogan “Retire to Gibraltar and get the best of Both Worlds”. It didn’t happen… but the plan is being resurrected alongside the existing buildings in 2020.

 21 Jul 1704 - Some 1800 invading English and Dutchmen land on isthmus.

 21 July 1802 – Two prisoners were sentenced to death at the Quarter Sessions, before HRH Duke of Kent, Governor, and Edmund Nugent, Deputy Judge Advocate, His Majesties Justices, for stealing a quantity of printed cottons and muslin valued at £500, from the warehouse of James Hepper.  Another prisoner was sentenced to be publicly whipped and turned out of the garrison for stealing a pair of trousers valued at a florin (10p today). 

 21 Jul 1916 - French Red Cross Day; Fr 19,000 were raised. A solemn Requiem Mass was held at St Mary's Cathedral.

 21 Jul 1921 - The Battle of Annual (sometimes Anwal) Spanish Morocco; Berber forces under Muhammad Abd Al-Karim Al-Khattabi annihilated a large contingent of Spanish troops and declared a rebellion within the Spanish sector of Morocco. This was a humiliating defeat for Spain who had around 14,000 killed from a force of 20,000, and lost Spanish General Sylvestre. This was the opening battle of the Rif War, a rebellion against French & Spanish rule, which at one time tied down 700,000 Fr & Sp troops. The Rif Republic was established the following year with Abd Al-Karim as president.

 21 Jul 1926 - Objectionable searching of women occurred at La Linea customs during the fair.

 21 Jul 1935 – A serious fire broke out in Mr Serruya's tobacco factory in Irish Town.

 21 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Pro-government warships led by Jaime Primero, shelled La Linea from Puente Mayorga, whilst 3 pro-government aircraft bombed the town.

21 July 1937 – (Sp Civ War) A Spanish Loyalist agent, after an inspection of the locality, asserts that German topographical experts are operating throughout Spanish territory adjacent to Gibraltar. They have built widespread fortifications from Algeciras to Tarifa. The fortifications comprise two batteries of 14” and 16” guns respectively in Getares Bay, 5 1/2 miles from Europa Point, also three 16” guns at Punta Carmera, reinforced by a 16” battery on the adjacent mountain, which is equipped with anti-aircraft guns. Three powerful searchlights illuminate the Strait all night, the Strait here being 12 miles across. Germans are fortifying Sierra Carbonera, the highest peak dominating Gibraltar.  (It should be pointed out that these guns were all withdrawn to the interior at a later date)

 21 Jul 1940 – The evacuation of civilians, who had recently been ejected from Morocco, started today. Convoy HG 39 (Home from Gib) sailed today followed by HG 40F on 27^th then HG 40 on the 29^th. They took around 16 days to reach UK and all together some 11,000 people were evacuated to UK.

 21 Jul 1961 - The Deputy Fortress Commander fired the charge that made the break-through on a tunnel from Little Bay to Europa. When completed, it provided a 26 foot roadway for motor traffic as an alternative route to Europa. Work had started in 1960 and completion was expected by spring of 1962.

 21 Jul 1982 – Two local men were saved from the sea near Estepona, by the Director of Medical & Health Services, Surgeon Captain EH Murchison and his wife. The couple were on their way to Estepona in their yacht Yohanna when Mrs Murchison spotted the men perched on the bows of a boat, which was sinking by the stern. Andrew Cozar and Diego Pons were taken off in the yacht’s tender and delivered safely to Estepona.

 21 Jul 2003 – Landport Ditch, an eyesore for many years, has been cleared and laid out as a car park; which opened today. This now allows the Grand Battery and Curtain wall and Counterscarp to be seen in their full glory (warts and all). Whilst exploring, Freddy Gomez discovered the remains of goose barnacles adhering to the SW corner; evidence that at one time the area was flooded with seawater.

 22 Jul 1704 - The Prince of Hesse demanded the surrender of the (Spanish) garrison.

 22 Jul 1934 – Today saw the arrival of the U.S. Battleships Arkansas and Wyoming, under the command of Rear Admiral Hayne Ellis. A march past of 900 midshipmen took place two days later and the salute taken by H.E. the acting Governor, Brigadier the Hon. D.M. King at Government House.

 23 Jul 1704 - The Spaniards sprang a mine on the Old Mole Head during the taking of Gibraltar by Admiral Sir George Rooke and the Prince of Hesse. (The date of the invasion varies depending on whether the Gregorian or Julian calendar is employed)

 23 Jul 1745 – Bonnie Prince Charlie, and eight associates, set out from the coast of France to invade Scotland, landing at Eriskay (between Barra & South Uist in the Hebrides) shortly afterwards. He had arrived on board the Du Teillay, captained by slave trader Antoine Walsh, who had also part financed the expedition. In those days the term ‘Bonnie’ had a particular significance in Scotland, not widely understood today.

 23 Jul 1759 – The keel of the Victory was laid at Chatham, although she wasn’t to be completed until the 5^th May 1765 and not commissioned until 1778. Some attribute her longevity to this long period of weathering, other suggest her designer Thomas Slade, Chief Surveyor to the Navy, had a lot to do with it. She eventually became the most successful First Rate… ever. Around 6000 trees, mostly oak, were used in her construction.

 23 Jul 1875 - Shots were exchanged between Carabineros and British Sentries on the Neutral Ground.

 23 Jul 1918 - The Sanitary Commissioners decided to name the road connecting Waterport Wharf to Sandy Bay "Miles Road" to commemorate the governorship of Sir Herbert Miles. (LCs)

 23 Jul 1930 - The Gibraltar Museum was opened by H.E. Gov. Sir Alexander Godley.

 23 Jul 1934 – A serious outbreak of fire at 1am in a shop at the end of Main St. Prompt action by the Fire Brigade in subduing it avoided serious consequences; some tenants in the upper storeys were removed, almost asphyxiated.

 23 Jul 1934 - Brother James A Burgess, 77, who had been engaged in teaching Gibraltar youths for 30 years, died in Dublin. A solemn requiem mass was celebrated by his ex-pupils on 4^th August.

 23 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Bland Steamer Gibel Dris was attacked by Spanish aircraft as she entered Tangier Harbour and bombed unsuccessfully in mid-strait on the return passage.

 23 Jul 1941 – The Cruiser, HMS Manchester was badly damaged by an Italian aerial torpedo during Operation Substance. In the same action HMS Fearless was sunk by bombs and HMS Firedrake was damaged. Substance was the operation to escort GM1; the first of a series from Gibraltar to Malta. The convoy was defended by Force H and was attacked by Italian submarines, aircraft and the Motoscafo Armato Silurante (MAS torpedo boats).

 23 Jul 1947 – Forty local scouts left Gibraltar by bus to attend the Lord Baden Powell Centenary and Boy Scout Jubilee to be held in Sutton Park, Warwickshire. The scouts wore special red and white neckerchiefs which had been issued for the occasion.

 23 Jul 1957 – Television was seen for the first time in Gibraltar when an interested crowd gathered outside Hammond Brothers, Main Street, to view the phenomenon. Vision and sound from a German station was picked up on a Grundig television and the programme featured a Mexican film with Spanish singing. It was considered that this was a freak reception but repeat performances were quite likely subject to favourable weather, atmospheric and other conditions. 

 23 Jul 1981 - The House of Lords passed an amendment entitling Gibraltarians (on application) to be registered as full British Citizens.

23 Jul 1991 – F&CO man Tristram Garel-Jones in a House of Commons speech, called on Gibraltar to make "an effort of imagination" to resolve the problems with Spain. Spain was bidding for full control of the Straits within NATO; their Defence Minister Julian Garcia Vargas stated aim was "to minimise the role of Gib as much as possible and substitute the role that Gibraltar carries out in communications". They got what they wanted.

 23 Jul 2002 – The damaged Monarch 757 finally left today after a 22 man Boeing team from Seattle had completed repairs satisfactorily. Project manager Tony Mather stated that this type of work would normally be executed in a hangar but since that facility was not available they erected a tent. The empty aircraft headed back to Luton.

 23 Jul 2002 – Two short toed eagles, radio-tagged by GONHS, continue to be tracked by satellite. The male, Shorty, headed up north and appears to be spending the summer in the Badajoz province of Extramadura, but the female Henrietta is frequently seen hunting over the Rock in between visits to Pinar del Rey. Henrietta was cared for by GONHS after being attacked by gulls whilst migrating in May and seems to be fond of Gibraltar.

 24 Jul 1704 – Gibraltar was taken after a siege of three days, by a Squadron under command of Sir George Rooke and a land force of English and Dutch marines under Prince George of Hesse Damstadt.  This event is frequently reported as 4^th August (modern Gregorian calendar) since the British observed the Julian calendar and only adopted the Gregorian calendar much later (2^nd September 1752). Historians now typically use Gregorian dates for all European events, as it was only Britain and Russia that were out of step.

 24 Jul 1808 – Lord Collinwood, aboard his flagship Ocean (98 guns) was able to report that all French forces in Andalusia had surrendered. Some 20,000 French soldiers had either been killed or taken prisoner: His report started: ‘Ocean, off Cadiz; By the Scout, I informed you, that the French forces under Gen. Dupont have surrendered to the Spanish army and having today received from the President of the Supreme Junta of Government at Seville, the official account of it, I do myself the honour of transmitting a copy of it for your information. Signed Cuthbert Collingwood.’   (HMS Scout, launched 1804, was an 18 gun Cruizer class brig sloop).

 24 Jul 1931 - Publication of news in the Spanish press asking for the return of Gibraltar to the (new) Republic of Spain, by amicable agreement.  Nuestra roca... no se toca.

 24 Jul 1934 – Mr W.S. Gulloch, Chief of Police, was appointed City Councillor vice Mr J. Discombe.

 24 Jul 1939 - Call for volunteers to join GDF.

 24 Jul 1951 – Four Gibraltar Boy Scouts left by the Madrid Express to take part in the World Jamboree at Bad Ischl, near Salzburg. The Scoutmaster in charge of the party was E Llufrio and the Scouts chosen; O Garro, A Ramirez, J Chincotta and R Randall, were seen off at Algeciras by the Assistant Commissioner.

 24 Jul 1968 – The Constitutional Conference ended and agreement had been reached, with certain reservations, between all delegations on the link between Britain and Gibraltar and what new measures would have to be adopted for the internal constitution. Meanwhile Spain warned Britain that the new constitution being prepared for Gibraltar would be regarded as ‘an unfriendly act.’  Ha.

 24 Jul 2002 – Combined Services fielded a soccer team against the P&O Cruise Liner Aurora and received a surprise. The Aurora’s team included legendary 1966 world cup star Allan Mullery, Norman Hunter, Ray Clemence and ex-Irish International Ronnie Glavan. Combined Service did well to only go down 2-1.

 25 July 1781 – (Gt Sge) Diary of Occurrences, Secretary’s Office: ‘For Genoa, 54 Genoese passengers, inhabitants of this place.’

 25 Jul 1782 - (Gt Sge) The arrival of Corsican volunteers under a Signor Leonetti in the Saint Philip Castle and Hector. They left on 23 June 1783 for Corsica, each officer being given six years half-pay and each man one guinea.

 25 Jul 1843 – HMS Lizard, a wooden paddle vessel, built at Woolwich Dockyard in 1840 and fitted for surveying, was run down and lost in collision with the French armed paddle sloop Veloce, some 25 miles east of the Rock, on passage between Gibraltar and Barcelona. The Lizard’s crew were taken on board the Veloce and delivered to Gibraltar where they were received aboard HMS Indus. No lives were lost. The Lizard had been a considerable time in the Mediterranean and was sister ship to the Locust, both of which were employed as tenders between Gibraltar and Malta and were considered two of the best and fastest vessels of their class in the service.

 25 Jul 1871 - The Sailors Home opened.

 25 Jul 1881 – A duel took place within the Spanish lines between two Spanish officers, a Captain and a Lieutenant. The Captain was killed and the Lieutenant seriously injured.

 25 Jul 1928 – The death occurred of Mr Anthony A Ferro.

 25 Jul 1928 – Messrs Turner & Co place the first call from Gibraltar to Amsterdam.

 25 Jul 1936 – A Government Notice was published relating to the resumption of normal conditions of entry and residence in the fortress. Visitors were warned to leave Gibraltar owing to the serious shortage of accommodation.

 25 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Spanish Government ‘planes bombed Algeciras, La Linea and Ceuta.

 25 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) H.M. Ships Boreas and Brazen brought refugees from Malaga and Huelva, who were accommodated overnight at H.M. Dockyard.

 25 Jul 1936 – The Gordon Highlanders returned from Alexandria aboard H.M.S. Repulse.

 25 Jul 1936 (Sp Civ War) During the last few days Gibraltar residents have been at risk from bursting shells fired by the parties fighting in Spain. The Acting Governor has protested to General Franco for permitting rebel ‘planes to fly over Gibraltar contrary to the international convention.

25 Jul 1936 – The death occurred of Mr A.W. Isola.

 25 Jul 1936 - (Sp CivWar) The Battle of Estepona occurred as the nationalist rebels headed towards Malaga. 600 dead, 1200 wounded. Communists led by Carabineros from Estepona, attacked San Roque, which was badly damaged but repulsed the attack.

 25 Jul 1940 – Admiral Canaris and various German specialists investigating vulnerabilities, who had arrived in Algeciras on 23^rd, set up to observe tonight’s air raid against the Rock.

 25 Jul 1961 – High winds brought down a tree which blocked one side of Europa Road just above Shorthorn. In Rosia Road, branches were torn down whilst another tree came down by Ragged Staff. Catalan Bay was given a good pounding by high seas.

 25 Jul 1990 - Francis Maude (Gibraltar's own minister in London) was sacked by Maggie Thatcher to be replaced by the closet-Spaniard Tristram Garel-Jones.

 25 Jul 1991 - The Gibraltar Regiment was granted entry into the British Army List after an Army Board decision to fully recognise the unit. They are however still treated as a ‘native regiment’.

 25 Jul 2002 – Tony Blair has admitted that Spanish troops will be allowed to use Gibraltar’s military base as part of any deal to share sovereignty of the Rock. In an interview on Spanish radio, Peter Torry, UK Ambassador in Spain, revealed that Britain was willing to accept joint use of the base. The F&CO said the base was already open to other NATO countries although Spanish troops had never used it.   

 10 years later, Tony Blair and family visited Gibraltar by car. They were accorded celebrity status, given a custom rock tour and allowed to jump the queue on their way out, by then Chief Mini Peter Caruana. As far as the populace were concerned both Blair and Peter Hain should have been declared personae non grata.

 25 Jul 2005 – Today there was a Port visit by a replica 13^th century Armenian trader; Cilicia. She is 20 metres long, has a 15 metre lateen rigged mast, can make 6 knots through the water. She weighs 20 tons and can carry 20 tons. She has been built by hand, over 20 years, using only traditional materials and techniques. She is now making her voyage of the seven seas, with a crew of 14, using an astrolabe instead of a GPS.

 26 Jul 1801 – The American Consul at Gibraltar reported that in the last four days, three American brigs had been carried into Algeciras by privateers. Since the Chief Justice also owned three privateers, the chances for the Americans were less than slim.

 26 Jul 1877 – A telegram was received from Deputation who had proceeded to England in connection with the Customs Scheme; to the effect that the Secretary of State for Colonies had agreed that the ordinance would not be enacted until discussed in Parliament and in the meantime he would receive all suggestions.

 26 Jul 1898 - Exchange on the sovereign 39.90.

 26 Jul 1927 – News published of the appointment of Canon F.C. Hicks DD, as Anglican Bishop of Gibraltar in place of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Grieg.

 26 Jul 1934 - Stormy meeting of City Councillors owing to the resignation of Mr J. Discombe, Chairman, which originated through Commander Biron considering that the Vice-chairman Mr C.T. Pou, should vacate his office because of the Chairman's resignation.

 26 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) H.M.S. Basilisk arrived; bringing refugees from Almeria.

 26 Jul 1940 - This evening the SS Athlone Castle left Gibraltar carrying 198 men, 769 women and 630 children as evacuees to UK. The process of re-evacuating non essential personnel was in full flow. The bulk of this contingent was aged, invalids, maternity cases and families with babies. The ship's doctor was in charge as no medical personnel could be spared from the Rock. They arrived safely in Liverpool on Friday 1st August at noon.

26 Jul 1940 - Embarkation for England aboard the Athlone Castle started today, but in the early hours the first serious air raid was mounted by Vichy-French aircraft dropping 15 bombs after approaching from the north... our neighbours. They were engaged by anti aircraft guns.  It lasted only 22 minutes yet two bombs found their target; one fell into Loreto Convent, killing Sister Lorcan O'Connor (71) and the other fell lower down, where Penney House stands today, killing Luis Dallia (51) and his wife Maria.  A Royal Artillery gunner was also killed and another eleven people were injured, six of them seriously. Sister O'Connor had been in Gibraltar 50 years.  These then, were the first air raid victims in Gibraltar. Damage was sustained at the Catchments, Europa Road pumping station and the southern part of the Rock.  

 26 July 1944 – An AVRO 685 York, Reg. MW119, arrived from Northolt at 1200 local time. On final approach, during the last segment, the captain decided to go around. The aircraft hit the runway surface, went out of control and came to rest in the sea. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair but there were no casualties.

 26 Jul 1950 - Sir Kenneth Anderson's term as Governor extended to 5th year.

 26 Jul 1953 - The Spanish ship Duero (1420 tons) sank in the strait, but her crew were all saved. The Duero, built 1920, was en route from Alicante to Las Palmas with general cargo when she collided in dense fog with the British steamer Culrain (6765 tons) and sank within one hour. Culrain picked up Duero’s survivors, 26 crew and one passenger, and transferred them to destroyer HMS Daring who had steamed out of Gibraltar at full speed.

 26 Jul 1956 – Gibraltar received a visit from Field Marshall Lord Montgomery. Amongst other engagements he gave a lecture at Ince’s Hall, attended a reception at City Hall and had lunch at the Convent.

 26 Jul 1963 – Four Corners was blocked by about 50 taxicabs for some 45 minutes as a protest against the decision by the La Linea Customs Authorities in not permitting them to enter Spain when carrying a party of Spanish artistes which included the Antonio Greco Ballet which had arrived from New York by the Italian liner Vulcania earlier that day.

 26 Jul 1991 - British Environment Secretary, Michael Tarzan Heseltine announced to parliament that the PSA would close; and 380 staff in Gibraltar would lose their jobs.

 27 Jul 1935 - A Portuguese convict escaped from the Civil Prison and reached La Linea.

 27 Jul 1955 - On the termination of his appointment as Educational Adviser to the Government, Rev Bro DW Foley left Gibraltar; by car to Malaga then ‘plane to London. Bro Foley had arrived on the Rock in March 1945 as Headmaster of the Grammar School and was appointed Educational Adviser in 1954. He goes to a Christian Brother’s school in UK to become Headmaster and Principal.

 27 Jul 19 - A double bathing tragedy near the mouth of the Guadiaro, saw Major Pafford RE and his wife carried away by the current and drowned. A friend, Ms Price-Smith, also got into difficulties but managed to get ashore. She went to back to try and help but it was too late. The bodies were recovered and taken to La Linea by ambulance. Major & Mrs Pafford left a daughter aged 20, who had not gone with them to Spain. The Major was Quartermaster Royal Engineers and had been in Gibraltar about sixteen months. They were buried with full military honours at North Front.

 27 Jul 1991 - 400 Gib registered cars garaged in La Linea faced a fine of 15K pesetas unless they produced documentary evidence of having been outside Spain in the last six months.

 27 Jul 1880 - The death occurred of Rt. Rev. J.B. Scandella, Vicar Apostolic of Gibraltar.

 27 July 1885 - Orders were issued that no stranger be admitted to Gibraltar by land unless they possessed a certificate from a British Consul showing that they had resided for 10 days in a place not infected by cholera.

 27 Jul 1901 - The official returns of the census, taken at the end of March, were published today. The population on the 31^st March was 27,460, comprising: 20,355 civilians; 6.475 military; and 630 port & harbour. This was an increase of 1,705 over the 1891 census.

 27 July 1928 – Temperatures reached 99’ F. (37’C.) in the shade at Gibraltar, 100’F at Algeciras and 104’F (40’C.) at Tangier.

 27 Jul 1934 – Commander I.W. Whitehorn, RN, appointed to the City Council vice Cmdr. H.S. Bowlby, RN.

 27 Jul 1935 – A Portuguese convict succeeded in escaping from the Civil Prison and reached La Linea.

 27 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) A/Govnr Brig The Hon. WT Brooks published a message of appreciation for the generous support given to government since the Spanish troubles started.

 27 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Nationalist troops were flown over to Spain from Ceuta, in loaned Ju-52s, ostensibly from Lufthansa.

 27 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) San Roque was attacked, much damage was occasioned & several people killed; Nationalists successfully beat off the attack from Republican (Gov) Forces.

 27 Jul 1982 – The last Argentine prisoner to leave the Falklands, Corporal Ernesto Cattay, lost a leg when marking mines for British disposal teams. Gibraltarian, WO1 Tony Canessa was only a few yards away when it happened. Tony’s experience as a Royal Engineer and his Spanish proved useful in working with a total of 35 prisoners, all of whom co-operated fully in helping to pin-point the mine stricken areas.

 27 Jul 2006 – The annual plague of jelly fish arrived this week and it seems likely it will be more frequent and last longer from now on. Global warming raising sea temperatures, over fishing of jelly fish predators and the amount of human waste being poured into the sea are the reasons given for increased jellyfish larvae survival rates. People at eastern Beach and Camp Bay have been nipped by larvae and sustained nasty welts from the adult jelly fish. The most effective treatment seems to be malt vinegar which soothes the stings.

  28 Jul 1830 – The Gibraltar Police Force made its first arrest; a Spanish tailor Miguel Morales was arrested by Sergeant Bensadon for being in the garrison without a permit. The following day Gibraltarian Rosa Rovegno, was arrested by the corporal of the military guard for being in the street after hours without a permit and without carrying a light (a long standing requirement in Gibraltar). 

 Fortress Orders of 1743 forbad;  “Any Spaniard, Genoese, Jew, Moor or other foreigner to walk the streets, or to be out of their houses, after the last gunfire at night and the drums have beaten tattoo, except servants and people on business, and these to have lanterns”. In 1804, Sir Thomas Trigge tightened the regulation further to include a permit from the Town Major, but from 1830 these were issued by the Police.

 28 Jul 1890 – Today saw the resignation of General Sir Arthur Hardinge, as Governor. (ill health)

 28 Jul 1917 - No British subject is allowed to leave Gibraltar without a visa in his passport issued by Military Control Officer.

 28 Jul 1920 - The Theatre Royal, which had been closed for many months pending litigation, was sold by auction by order of the courts. It was bought by Mr J Beniso for £18,200 plus a mortgage of 8000 dollars.

 28 Jul 1935 – H.E. the acting Governor and Mrs Brooks entertained Rear Admiral Hayne-Ellis, Commanding the U.S. Training Squadron, at 9 Cathedral Square.

 28 Jul 1936 – The Governor, Gen. Sir Charles Harington returned from leave as did Cmdr. A.D. Steele, Captain of the Port.

 28 Jul 1953 - George Cole's locally shot film Apes on the Rock was renamed Gibraltar Adventure on release.

 28 Jul 1956 – The 8.5mtr sailing vessel Hara arrived in Gibraltar having crossed the Atlantic from New York. Crewed by 36 year old Savvas Georgiou and his 22 year old American wife (who had no previous sailing experience) Hara suffered severe storms in the Gulf Stream, battling massive waves for six days. The journey made headlines because Hara was considered to be the smallest boat to have made this crossing (at that time). Savvas and Sue continued on their journey to Ithaki, Salamena and finally Marina Zea in Piraeus.

 28 Jul 1982 - Part of the car park near the rock face above Catalan Bay remains closed until further notice as a safety precaution, following Monday night’s avalanche in which around 40 tons of sand came down at 9.00pm. Catalan Bay was covered in a mist of sand, say villagers and the road to Sandy Bay remained closed all night whilst PWD cleared the sand.

 28 Jul 1997 – The final visit of the Royal Yacht Britannia, who arrived early this morning and was ‘piped in’. A financial seminar is being held on board today. After the Royal Marines Band beat the retreat and a fireworks display on detached mole, Britannia will sail away for the last time.

 29 Jul 1880 – The funeral of Rt. Rev. Dr. John Scandella, Vicar Apostolic was held today. There was a large attendance with strong detachments of men, volunteers from various regiments and corps stationed on the Rock. The cortege went from St Mary the Crowned along Main St and Engineer Lane to Sacred Heart where a vault had been hewn under the main altar and where his remains were laid to rest.

 29 Jul 1899 – The Mediterranean Rowing Club was formed.

 29 Jul 1926 - Governor H.E. Charles Monro laid the foundation stone for the new NAAFI at Ragged Staff. The premises were designed by Major Coad, RE and the contractor was Mr L Dotto. The building was to contain a bakery, cold store, warehouse and mineral water factory. On the opposite side of the road where there was a tennis court, a garage for 7 cars was to be erected. The cost was estimated between £12K and £13K.

 29 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) A Nationalist ‘plane attacked a Spanish Government submarine off Catalan Bay.

 29 Jul 1936 – A hostel was opened at St Mary’s School for British refugees.

 29 Jul 1981 - Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. They started their honeymoon from Gibraltar, triggering consternation across the way and a fit of pique from Juan Carlos de Bourbon.

 30 Jul 1861 - A comet was seen.

 30 Jul 1934 - Extraordinary General Meeting of the Exchange Committee to approve the memo to HM the King in Council, asking for more local representation in the City Council.

 30 Jul 1943 – This day, a Sunderland flying boat, U for Uncle, from the Australian 461 Squadron, spotted and attacked a German U-boat in the Bay of Biscay. The U-boat commanded by Korvkpt. Wolf-Harro Stiebler sank, taking the lives of 53 of her crew. There were fifteen survivors. By a strange coincidence, the submarine was the U-461.

 30 Jul 1969 – The first elections held under the new constitution.

 31 Jul 1893 – Today saw the appointment of General Sir Robert Biddulph as Governor of Gibraltar. He was sworn into office on 13th Oct 1893.

 31 Jul 1903 – Today saw the public opening of the Fish Market Archway.

 31 Jul 1924 - The Moroccan consulate was closed after existing in Gibraltar for 60 years.

 31 Jul 1926 – The first excise duty on perfume was imposed today.

 31 Jul 1935 - Today it was 97'F in the shade which dropped to 82'F in the evening.

 31 Jul 1936 – Dockyard Lighter Y264, constructed in the Gibraltar Dockyard, was launched.

 31 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) HMS Bulldog and HMS Blanche arrived, bringing refugees. Bulldog was to achieve fame for her action in 1941, when she captured a complete Enigma machine and codebooks from the German submarine, U-110.

 31 Jul 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Spanish Government Flying Boat S12, which was forced to alight in British waters, was interned.

 31 July 1962 – Gibraltar’s 50^th Governor, General Sir Alfred Dudley Ward, arrived in Gibraltar today. As a young man he had been posted to Gibraltar as a telegraph operator for the Eastern Telegraph Company. He served here for two years from 1923 -26 when he returned to England and joined the army, serving as another rank until selected for officer training  being commissioned into the Dorsetshire Regiment in 1929. However, it was his exploits in WW2 over six years in Italy and Greece that saw his rise from Captain to Major General. The new Governor was greeted with warm applause from large crowds gathered along the route from Waterport to the Legislative Council Chamber and later to the Convent.

 31 Jul 1970 – Black Tot Day: was the final day of the Royal Navy rum issue. At 6 bells in the morning watch (11am) after the pipe of ‘up spirits’ the tot was issued for the very last time in a tradition that dated back to 1655. The death knell had been sounded by a 1969 debate in the House of Commons (Great Rum Debate) which determined that the tot was no longer appropriate. Some sailors wore black arm bands and some tots were ‘buried at sea’. A special stamp was issued by Portsmouth General Post Office. The Royal Canadian Navy followed suit in 1972 and the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1990.

 31 Jul 1986 – Governor Sir Peter Terry, surprised us all when he gave just three hours notice that the guard at the frontier was being removed, breaking a 250 year old tradition. It was also intended to remove the border gates. The unilateral decision by Britain infuriated CM Sir Joshua Hassan who ‘strongly advised against the removal of the gates as it would be seen as a gratuitous concession to Spain.’ British ministers expressed disappointment when Sir Joshua turned this idea down and then decided to leave the gates in place for the time being. Britain apparently wanted to make a friendly gesture to Spain now that both countries are in the EEC and NATO. Time would show that the cuckoo-in-the-NATO-nest, Spain would arrange for NATO’s sector control to be wrested from Gibraltar (COMGIBMED) and installed in Spain (1999) and a faithless Britain would attempt to hand Gibraltar over to Spain in 2002.

 Peter Terry’s principal interest is golf. At one time Sir Peter wanted to clear a section of the Convent garden to build himself a golf driving range... until it was explained to him that it wasn't HIS garden.

 31 Jul 1999 - Near Miss: Passengers on Monarch flight ZB068, crossing Spain en route to Gibraltar, looking out the right hand side of the aircraft saw another plane, coming out of the clouds in the opposite direction - not very far away. CAA requirements stipulate 1000 ft vertical clearance… it was nowhere near that. There has been no official explanation yet.

 31 Jul 1998 - Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce quoted Shadow Home Sec Michael Howard; "The British government will consider proposals put forward by Gibraltar, provided that they are acceptable to Spain".

 

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 Jul 1850 – Saw the arrival of H.R.H. Archduke of Austria.

 Jul 1871 - Fire in Governor's St. was put out in around 2 hours. Fernandez, owner of the shop where the fire started, was found guilty of arson and sentenced to 15 years penal servitude. Four years later he escaped from prison but was recaptured after 3 days.

 Jul 1890 - The Benatar Theatre was first opened on the Alameda Parade.

 Jul 1897 – There was a parade at Alameda Grand Parade to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. Festive illuminations and fireworks were enjoyed by thousands of spectators. 

 Jul 1900 – Saw the departure of Sir Ralph Biddulph ending his tour as Governor.

 Jul 1904 - Water was successfully let-into King Edwards Dock for first time

 Jul 1919 – There was a strike by cab drivers, which ended next day.

 Jul 1938 - Widening of No 1 dock.

 Jul 1940 - Gibraltar evacuees returned from French Morocco, and evacuation to Madeira commenced.

 Jul 1940 – The Black Watch Regiment arrived in Gibraltar on board the Athlone Castle, in the middle of an Italian air raid targetting HMS Hood berthed alongside South Mole. D Company was billeted in an empty reservoir in the Water Works, deep within the Rock. The Black Watch went onto construct many defensive positions, all over the Rock, assisting the Royal Engineers and Royal Canadian Engineers. One company was trained in counter insurgency measures and became known as Mason-Macs’s silent killers.

 Jul 194o - French steamer Forbin (built in 1922 by Chantiers de la Mediterranie at Le Havre) was in Gibraltar Port when France fell and was seized by British authorities and handed over to the Bibby Line for management. She was subsequently sunk at Arromanches on 9 June 1944 as part of Mulberry B Harbour, Gooseberry 5 (Corncob). She was raised after the war but beyond repair and was broken up.

Jul 1954 – As the 250^th anniversary of the capture of Gibraltar approaches and as residents celebrate the recent visit by The Queen, the Generalissimo had to have his say. Writing under his favourite pen-name Macauley, in Arriba, he announced; ‘an end would be made of the smuggling and speculation centred in Gibraltar’ and that ‘the licentious recreation of the British soldiery in the Spanish frontier area would have to cease.’