Jun

Gibraltarmonthly

June:

 1 Jun 1825 – It being Trinity Sunday, the foundation stone of Holy Trinity Cathedral Church was laid by the Earl of Chatham (Governor) & Sir George Don (Lt Governor) who had proceeded from the Convent through a lane of troops. Inlaid in the stone were two brass plates bearing both gentlemen’s names. The Governor discharged the usual ceremony with mallet and trowel and enclosed several coins of the realm and a coronation medal of King George IVth. Although largely complete, the building was to wait another five years to receive doors and windows, by which time it had become somewhat dilapidated.

 1 June 1826 – Two Columbian privateers, the Republicana and the Trinidad, have been repeatedly observed from the garrison. According to reports, they have several valuable prizes. (Courier)

 1 Jun 1831 – The arrival of the tea-clipper Alert, 21 days out of Boston, bound for Canton. The Alert was a 500 ton ship, with full lines and a real specimen of an early American deep-water-man at her best. Her round trip America-China-America, totalled 33,579 miles at an average speed of 146 miles per day.

 1 Jun 1874 - A deputation from the Hebrew community waited on Sr Don Emilio Castelar y Rippoll, the celebrated Spanish orator, when he arrived in Gibraltar. He had recently been President of the Republican Executive, ie. ruler of Spain.

 1 Jun 1888 – Arrival of HMS Volage, C. Johnstone, Captain, which had left Portsmouth on the 15^th April or thereabouts.

 1 Jun 1906 - Telegrams sent to their Majesties King Alfonso XIII and Queen Ena (of Spain) on happy deliverance from a dastardly attempt made on their lives on their wedding day. Thanks giving service was held at Catholic Cathedral on 6th June. Immediately following their wedding as they rode through Madrid in a coach, a bomb was thrown from a 3^rd floor window, which, deflected by an electric wire, landed between the last pair of horses and the front of the coach. It killed 23 people and injured 100, but the royal couple were unhurt. The bomb was thrown by Catalan anarchist Mateu Morral Roca, who was killed during his arrest on 2^nd June at Torrejon.

 1 Jun 1917 – The Compulsory Education Ordinance came into force.

 1 Jun 1925 - Tangier made a self-governing community under international regime.

 1 Jun 1936 – A revised edition of Gibraltar Laws (1935) came into operation. A set of four volumes sold at 6 guineas.

 1 Jun 1956 – The Governor and Lady Redman visited the Station Workshops, R.E.M.E. at Ragged Staff and were shown a display stand of arts and crafts made by ‘locally engaged craftsmen’ (there’s a euphemism if ever I saw one) which articles were later displayed at the Calpe Institute. 

 1 Jun 1962 – The BEA Vanguard aircraft arriving in Gibraltar this morning was carrying supplies in the nature of ‘a mercy mission’ – 20 ten gallon casks of Watney’s draught beer.  Watney’s draught (Red Barrel) had been introduced at the end of May and demand was such that local agents, Lewis Stagnetto Ltd, had felt the need to replenish their stocks by air. Apparently this was the first time ever that keg beer had travelled by air to Gibraltar.

 1 Jun 1969 - Gibraltar's new Constitution became operative.

 1 Jun 1969 – The Dep. Commissioner of Police, Fred Llambias, and a squad of officers, boarded the yacht Tina, in Marina Bay, to find the body of a one month old baby boy concealed beneath a berth. The yacht’s owner and a female companion were understood to have left the Rock a few days earlier. The boy had been born at St Bernard’s Hospital to a Congolese woman, a member of Tina’s crew, during April. A post mortem did not rule out foul play. Following signals between Gibraltar and Interpol, the woman was detained in Belgium.

 1 Jun 1990 – A Lynx HAS3 helicopter, Reg. XZ734, belonging to 815 NAS, Hermione flight, was lost whilst operating off Gibraltar. A freak wave, combines with a hard turn to port, took the aircraft over the side of the ship after the deck securing attachment broke. It sank within three minutes; the crew were saved.

 1 Jun 2001 – The Chronicle reports: Sweden defied Spanish protests by allowing the Royal Swedish Navy vessel HMS Carlskrona to dock in Gibraltar last night. The ship on exercise since January, last night hosted a VIP reception in the presence of Swedish consular representative James Gaggero. It’s not clear if the Spanish protest is general or because a member of the Swedish royal family is part of the crew, nevertheless it was a robust protest and the ship is now leaving 24 hours early. The cadet at the centre of all this is Bernadotte, son of King Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden. In Gibraltar the opposition unreservedly condemned the action of the Spaniards, recalling a similar protest over the visit a few years ago of President George Bush (Snr) and their recent refusal to allow Gibraltar to participate, in its own right, at the world badminton championships in Seville. It appears that although the opposition got steamed up nobody else did.

 1 Jun 2002 – Gibraltar airport was once again excluded from a number of new aviation measures after UK accepted suspension clauses requested by Spain. The measure dealt with compensation and assistance to people denied boarding, cancellation and delay, and included a Directive on the safety of 3^rd Countries aircraft using EC airports. As recently as March, UK had stated categorically that we would not be excluded… HMG apparently suffering from a lack of backbone

 2 Jun 1897 – Governor Sir Robert Biddulph opened a Roman Catholic Poor School in Castle Road, to be operated by the Christian Brothers.

 2 Jun 1917 – Guns were fired this night at a submarine in the bay. Some shells ricocheted into fields near Algeciras and at least one, into the municipal cemetery. (some say a 6” shell from Devil’s Gap, others a 9.2 from Levant.)

 2 June 1934 – Official visit of H.E. General Don Juan Urbano Palma, Captain General of Seville, to H.E. the Governor Gen. Sir C.H. Harington. There was a grand parade at North Front in honour of H.M. the King’s birthday. The Governor accompanied by Gen. Urbano Palma, presented prizes at the Empire Fair which closed the following night.

 2 Jun 1934 – At a Government House garden party, H.E. presented the badge of the M.B.E. to Mr. H.J.S. Norton, Junior.

 2 Jun 1953 – Gibraltar celebrated the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

 2 Jun 1983 – The Gibraltar Trades Council received this letter from Defence Secretary Michael Heseltine on the subject of the dockyard:  “I have examined the plans for Gibraltar Dockyard in the context of the plans for Naval Dockyards generally. The conclusion I reach is that the much reduced facilities in the Home dockyards are adequate for the refit of military ships, which is the prime purpose of HM dockyards. I know how difficult this decision must be to accept, after Gibraltar’s long and distinguished record of service to the Royal Navy, including their contribution during the Falklands conflict. Nevertheless, I urge the Council to accept this and look to the positive aspects of the commercialisation proposals…….. sub pontio pilato…eh?

 2 Jun 2003 – The Main Street Post Office re-opened after a prolonged closure, during which it was totally refurbished. The temporary P.O. at Line Wall has now closed. 

 2 Jun 2005 - In the Commons, Peter Hain criticised the Gibraltar government for failing to allow Spain joint use of the airport. He said the 1987 agreement between UK and Spain promised a massive economic boost to the area. What he failed to recognise was that whilst the UK meant shared use, Spain interpreted use as shared control, joint sovereignty, which is an entirely different thing.

 3 Jun 1469 – Today saw the cession of Gibraltar to the House of Guzman.

 3 Jun 1905 – A Spanish smuggler was fired upon by Sergeant Bennett, the British sentry at North Front. The smuggler subsequently died of his wound.

 3 Jun 1932 – At a garden party on the occasion of H.M. King George Vth’s birthday, H.E. the Governor, Sir A J Godley, presented the insignia of the OBE to Cmdr Biron, Captain of the Port.

 3 Jun 1933 – H.M. the King's birthday; Brilliant ceremonial parade at North Front attended by H.E. Gen. Urbano Palma, Governor of Malaga and escort, followed by a reception at Government House (The Convent). Toasts to H.M. the King and to the President of the Spanish Republic were exchanged during a garden party.

 3 Jun 1933 – Birthday Honours;  Lt. Col. the Hon. AE Beattie, CMG, Rear Adm. FM Austin, CB, L/Cpl. JS Barnet, RE, Military Medal, OBE, NB. Presentations made at Government House, 16^th September.

 3 Jun 1935 – HM King George Vth's birthday ceremonial parade at North Front was honoured by the attendance of a Squadron of Spanish Cavalry, with their clarinets. The streets were packed with inhabitants and foreign visitors. H.E. the Governor and H.E. General Villa Abrille, representing the Spanish Republic, took the salute. A reception and garden party were given at Government House, at the former, loyal toasts being exchanged by the representatives of the two countries and at the latter, the Spanish cavalry's clar­inets playing selections. A congratulatory message was sent to H.M. the King, which was graciously acknowledged. In the birthday honours list the Hon. J J Russo was made an O.B.E. (A year later Jose Villa-Abrille, commander of the 2^nd Military Division, in charge of Andalusia, was aware of the conspiracy of Franco’s uprising days beforehand, but did nothing.) 

 3 Jun 1936 – Inspector Jose Sardena of the Dockyard Police was presented with the Imperial Service Medal.

 3 Jun 1936 – A lecture was given by Col. H.A. Savignon, at the Exchange Building, on the Gibraltar Scientific Society, 1835 – 53. H.E. the Governor presided.

 3 Jun 1959 – Stoke City, the first English football team to play in Gibraltar, drew 1:1 against a GFA selection.

 3 Jun 1962 – The US Matson liner SS Monterey (ex-Matsonia) arrived in Gibraltar to land the body of Third Engineer Edward Bernard, 59, of New Orleans, who had been found hanging in his cabin on the 30^th May, whilst the ship was at sea. The body was removed to the North Front mortuary where it was embalmed for transportation to New York at the request of the dead man’s relatives.

 3 Jun 2002 – GONHS fitted a pair of short-toed eagles with satellite transmitters, so they could be tracked by the French Argos satellite. Within two days one of them had been tracked to Moron de La Frontera, about 70 miles north of Gibraltar.

 3 Jun 2003 – HMS Cornwall did not replace the Straits guardship, HMS Westminster, as planned. Instead the Spanish Navy provided a frigate, to continue the straits escort work alongside US warships. The MoD appears to have withdrawn the patrol ‘to avoid offending Spain’.

 3 Jun 2003 – GONHS reports that a pair of ravens has successfully reared a youngster in a cliff-top nest site, an event last seen in 1972. Ravens were not seen from 1974 until 2000 and for the last 2 years their nesting has been unsuccessful.

 4 Jun 1769 - Methodism arrived in Gibraltar. (The Church is now the Masonic Institute) One of first preachers was Henry Ince of 92nd Foot, later to earn his place in history as Sgt Major Ince, mastermind of Great Siege tunnels. Henry Ince was later promoted to Ensign and is buried at Gittisham, Devon.

 4 Jun 1813 – The brig Blossom, James Micklejohn, Master, with a cargo of brandy, wine, etc. sailed today, bound for Plymouth to await orders. She left in company of a fleet under convoy of HM Ships Leviathan and Zephyr, which she parted company with the following night. During Blossom’s passage she was boarded by HMS Lacedemonian, 36 guns,  proceeding from England with a convoy under her protection, for Bermuda. Blossom arrived Plymouth July 14^th.

 4 Jun 1856 – Today saw the arrival from the Crimea of three corps of soldiers, the 30th, 55th and 92nd Regiments, who were given a tumultuous welcome.

 4 Jun 1958 – The Military Governor of Algeciras and the Campo Area, General Don Camilo Menendez Tolosa, returned the official call on the Governor of Gibraltar, General Sir Charles Keightley.

 4 Jun 1969 – The Minister of Public Building & Works, the Rt Hon John Silkin MP, accompanied by his wife, arrived for a four day visit staying at the Convent as guest of H.E. John Silkin was here to review his department’s building programme for the forces in Gibraltar, and to meet senior members of the Gibraltar Government…. not for a jolly as some people might suppose.

 4 Jun 2004 – Today saw the arrival of the 190 ft three masted barquentine, Atlantis, with 22 passengers on board. Built at Hamburg in 1905 she started life as the steam powered light ship Elbe, until 1940 when she became a blockade and guard ship in the Baltic until 1945. She was sold in 1979, eventually to be owned by the Hamburg Fire Brigade. In 1983 she was converted into a luxury passenger sailing ship and renamed Atlantis. Atlantis arrived in the Bay from Malaga in company with another vessel Mary Ann II. Unfortunately, because Mary Ann II is Panama registered, had she entered Gibraltar she would have been refused entry back into Malaga after calling here.

 5 Jun 1825 – The Zebra, Capt. Williams, arrived in port, in eight days from Spithead; and sailed on the 9^th with the U.S. North Carolina (74) and Medina (20) Capt. Walker, for Malta.

 5 Jun 1825 - The Columbian Brig-of-war Vencedor, Capt. Brotherton was cruising against Spanish vessels in The Gut and along the coast of Spain. She had had several successful skirmishes with Spanish gunboats.

 5 Jun 1876 - A serious disturbance occurred at Waterport Wharf between German soldiers and local boatmen and porters. No one knows how it started but it ended up with men, women, combatants and spectators being pushed into the water. Sticks & stones were freely used and knives were drawn. The Marine Police were unable to restore order and were themselves roughly used. The officer in charge of Waterport Guard called out his men and eventually peace was restored. Major Morgan, Town Major, placed picquets of the 23^rd Royal Welch Fusiliers on the wharf until the sailors had embarked and the gates had been shut. The Gibraltar Chronicle observed “the sailors… had no doubt in very many instances partaken too freely of the strong drinks of Gibraltar”.

 5 Jun 1900 – There were brilliant illuminations of the town and Mediterranean Fleet celebrating the capture of Praetoria.

 5 Jun 1903 - Dr Joseph Patron died.

5 Jun 1921 – The Sunday Sun reports; ‘A well known Britisher, under the nom de guerre, Don Carlos de Irlande, killed two bulls in fine style before a big gathering at La Linea. Connoisseurs and devotees of bull-fighting paid a tribute to his skill, triumphantly shouldering him aloft. This is the second time a Britisher has achieved such a feat.’ In the cable edition of next day’s Sun, Don Carlos indignantly denies that he is a Britisher. He is an Irishman. He explains his courage in dealing with the bulls by saying he played rugby and had met the Black-and-Tans. 

 5 Jun 1925 - Over 1 and 1/4" of rain fell in the last four days.

 5 Jun 1962 – Military HQ at Algeciras announced that the restrictions which had been imposed at the La Linea frontier, on cars travelling to and from Morocco, had been lifted. That same day the Mons Calpe brought over eight cars which then proceeded on their journey in the ordinary way.

 5 Jun 1964 – Plans were revealed today for the redevelopment of the Victoria Stadium.

 5 Jun 1967 – Anglo-Spanish talks got under way about the unilaterally declared prohibited air zone imposed by Spain on the approaches to the Gibraltar airfield. The talks ended in deadlock.

 5 Jun 2003 – Four Barbary Macaques have been exported to the Omega Park, Monchique, Portugal, by GB Airways via London. These individuals were part of a pack from Princess Caroline’s Battery, and frequented Moorish Castle estate, finding food there, they became daily visitors. In the past culling has been used as a last resort but GONHS prefers relocation where possible. The four were named as Lyla and Pointe, born 1993, Kabba, born 1998, and a year old youngster. The last time macaques were exported was in 1998 when 24 went to Daun Park, Germany, where they have settled down successfully.

 6 Jun 1934 – The steamers SS Rosina Topic and SS Monique collided off Europa. SS Monique was a tanker which was subsequently sunk by enemy fire in the Bay of Biscay in 1940.

 5 Jun 1941 – A Spanish plane fell into the sea on the East side and the crew were delivered to Gibraltar by a patrolling destroyer.

 6 Jun 1780 – (Gt Siege) The Spaniards tried to set fire to English vessels in the bay by sending down fire ships.

 6 Jun 1869 - The shock of an earthquake reached Gibraltar. 

 6 Jun 1870 - An attempt was made to rob Lieutenants Fraser and Inglis on the beach near Campamento; but they managed to reach the lines on Fraser's horse. The two attackers were captured and incarcerated by the Guardia Civil. One of the horses was left dead on the beach.

 6 Jun 1960 – HRH the Princess Royal visited Gibraltar to present new colours to the 1^st Battalion the Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire. She was warmly welcomed by crowds along the route from North Front to the Convent, where she inspected a Guard of Honour. The Colours presentation took place the following day.

 6 Jun 1969 – Today, Sunday 6^th June, Francisco Franco closed the border with Spain. ‘Spain closes its border to Gibraltar’ said the ABC and ‘the 4,820 Spanish workers on the Rock will be covered by 100% unemployment insurance.’ said the front page… it didn’t happen. In fact Franco introduced a postage stamp intended to generate funds, which never found their way to the Linenses. El Nuevo Diario stated ‘Gibraltar isolated from Spain’ some 10 days later. It is reminiscent of the Times headline; ‘Fog in channel; continent cut off’.  Three days later (9^th) some 700 people gathered at the frontier waving flags and singing God Save the Queen. 

 7 Jun 1780 - (Gt Sge) Town bombarded every night and reduced to ruins. The citizens took shelter among the rocks of the south.

 7 Jun 1782 - (Gt Sge) Tunnelling of the galleries started.

 7 Jun 1825 – At twelve, His Excellency General the Earl of Chatham, Governor of this fortress, embarked on board His Majesty’s frigate Tribune, Capt. G.H. Guion, returning to England on leave of absence. (Chronicle) They arrived safely after a passage of 23 days. On August 3^rd Capt. Guion was awarded the sum of £147-12s, for accommodating the Earl and his suite on board a man of war. He was further awarded an allowance of £54 for entertaining and conveying Mr Consul Brackenbury from Gibraltar to Cadiz, also in the Tribune. The HMS Tribune was eventually wrecked, off Tarragona, on 28^th November 1839.

 7 Jun 1845 – The British barque Harper struck on La Perla.

 7 Jun 1920 - Two field guns placed opposite the Convent (then Government House) as a memento of the Great War.

 7 Jun 1923 – Thousands of yellow butterflies covered Waterport Wharf.

 7 Jun 1930 – Four inches of rain fell in Gibraltar resulting in severe flooding several feet deep. Many ground floors were flooded and residents used boats to get around. Across the way, San Roque station was flooded, the River Palmones burst its banks and Algeciras Fair was put back for one week.

 7 Jun 1936 – Various football matches were played between Oviedo and Rock and Civilian selections; the visiting team were successful.

 7 Jun 1936 – The death occurred of Mr Alfred Amor.

 7 Jun 1956 – The British Foreign Secretary was asked in the House of Commons (by Mr Norman Dodds, Labour) what further representations had been made to Spain in respect of that country’s unfriendly attitude to Gibraltar and what indications of improvement in this connection had been noted. Mr Selwyn Lloyd replied that, apart from the fact that it was now possible for foreign residents in Spain to travel to Gibraltar and back via Algeciras there had been no change in Spanish Government policy toward Gibraltar.

 7 Jun 1962 – Flamenco singer Lola Flores arrived on board Mons Calpe to appear at the Queen’s Cinema. She drew large crowds whilst shopping in Main Street. This was clearly some time before she stated: ‘They should put a big gun in Algeciras and blow Gibraltar out of the sea.’ Well, Lola, ‘if you love me you’ll leave.’

 7 Jun 1969 – The Spanish government approved counter-measures against Britain’s new constitution for Gibraltar. The Spanish Information Minister, Sr Fraga Iribane, said that the measures would be announced in a few days. They had already fired their only shot, closing the frontier yesterday.

 7 Jun 1999 - When the Spanish fishing vessel Pirana was arrested in January, her nets and catch were confiscated. The nets were eventually returned but the catch went into cold storage. Now, nearly six months later, as a result of the charges for cold storage, the catch – some half a ton of fish – has been disposed of. After Mount Alvernia and the Hospital were persuaded to take some, the remainder was sent to New Mole House and divi’d up amongst Police officers.

 8 Jun 1921 – Saw the first sailing of a local vessel to USA (Gibel Yedid).

 8 Jun 1969 – The last of the Spanish workforce leave as the generalissimo’s Spain closed her border with Gibraltar. Many were given golden handshakes as they packed up their tools … and a number of other peoples’ tools to boot.

 8 Jun 1870 - Arrival from Cadiz of Messrs Bonnel rescued from brigands

 8 Jun 1872 – Four independent telegraph companies were amalgamated to form The Eastern Telegraph Company; forerunner of Cable & Wireless.

 8 Jun 1887 - Calpe Rowing Club was officially recognised by HE Governor.

 8 Jun 1902 - Thanksgiving services at Cathedrals, churches and Synagogues for the end of the 2^nd Boer War on 31^st May. The fate of the many Boer families held in British concentration camps still rankles today amongst their descendants.

 8 Jun 1930 - Abnormal fall of rain, 4" to date, caused flooding in the neighbourhood.

 8 Jun 1967 – The 45,000 ton P&O Flagship Canberra arrived in port this morning. She had left Gibraltar on the 2^nd June with 1500 passengers bound for Australia but had turned back some 24 hours from Port Said because of the Middle Eastern situation. (The Six Days War between Israel and her neighbours) She left port shortly afterwards to take the Cape of Good Hope route.

8 Jun 1969 - In response to Gibraltar's new constitution of 30th May, Spain closed the border with Gibraltar and severed all communication links. For about 13 years the land border was closed from the Spanish side to try to isolate the territory. The closure affected both sides of the border. Gibraltarians with family in Spain had to go by ferry to Tangier and from there to the Spanish port of Algeciras, while many Spanish workers (about 4,778 Spanish workers entered Gibraltar daily) lost their jobs on the Rock.

 8 Jun 2005 – The United Nations Committee of 24 yesterday promised to respond to Gibraltar and to do its job diligently after it was urged to put people first, before political disputes over sovereignty, and to discharge its duty to Gibraltarians. Dr Julian Hunte spelled out that he was ‘not chairing this committee for my good looks only’ and that he was approaching the matter ‘with a fresh pair of eyes.’ Not fresh enough apparently; as yet, nothing has changed. (2020)

 8 Jun 2012 – A bunkering accident off North Mole resulted in an oil spill of three tons of fuel oil into the sea. The refuelling operation had involved the ship Frio Dolphin and the bunker vessel Vermaoil XX.  Gibraltar’s oil spill contingency plan was operated and by the following day most of the spilled oil had been contained.

 9 June 1769 – A Garrison Order was issued by Lord Cornwallis “Whereas divers(e) soldiers and inhabitants assemble themselves every evening to prayer, it is the Governor’s positive order that no person whatever presume to molest them, nor go into their meetings to behave indecently there.” The persons referred to were amongst the first Methodists on the Rock. Lord Cornwallis had found fame as the founder of Halifax, Nova Scotia and had earned a reputation for strong leadership. He suffered badly from rheumatism during Levanter.

Whilst seen by us as a just Governor of Gibraltar, Cornwallis is reviled by the Mi’kmaq peoples of Nova Scotia. In 1749 as Mi’kmaq warriors pursued a guerrilla war against the British, Cornwallis issued an order that became known as the ‘Scalping Proclamation.’ His government would pay a bounty to anyone who killed a Mi’maq man, woman or child, in a bid to drive them off Nova Scotia.

 9 Jun 1815 - Treaty of Vienna confirmed British sovereignty of Rock.

 9 Jun 1826 – It was noted at Gibraltar that ‘a Spanish fleet appeared off the garrison, escorted by four vessels of war, from the westward, one of them bearing a commodores pendant. The ships of war sailed into the bay, and two of them anchored at Algesiras, where, it is reported, they are to be stationed. The fleet proceeded up the Mediterranean.’ (Globe)

 9 Jun 1847 - A Portuguese sailor died at Civil Hospital from hydrophobia.

 9 Jun 1898 – The Spanish battleship Pelayo and three torpedo boats are constantly cruising in the Strait. (Spanish-American War) No doubt they think they are closing the Strait to American ships.

 9 Jun 1903 - The Catalan Bay Area Catchment Tunnel opened.

 9 Jun 1907 – Madrid, under the fleeting liberal government of the Marquis de La Vega de Armijo, offered the Campo Area to the British Admiral on the Rock, who declined the offer. (The Pact of Cartagena 16 May, between UK, France and Spain to preserve the status of the western Mediterranean against Germany’s ambitions in Morocco.)

 9 Jun 1936 – The marriage took place of Mr I.C.P. Savignon and Miss C.A. Lloyd.

 9 Jun 1936 – The Rock Challenge (football) Cup was won by HMS Hood.

 9 Jun 1943 – A Consolidate PBY 5A Catalina, Reg. FP214, of 202 Squadron was returning to North Front after an uneventful patrol. The seaplane was flying by night over the land in southern Spain when it hit a mountain slope located near Puerto de Cabrito, between Tarifa and Algeciras. Eight crew member were killed and just two were rescued, incl. F/Sgt Harold Sterling Brown.

 9 Jun 1969 – The Spaniards closed the land frontier. Some 4,666 workers who crossed the border to work in Gib every day were unable to do so again. It would remain so for 16 years, until 5th Feb 85, when Britain promised Spain could join the EEC in 1986.

 9 Jun 1969 - An employee of Sol Serruya left Gibraltar with the border closure. (a golden handshake in his pocket) Four days later he appeared on Spanish TV saying the border should have been closed 30 years earlier.

 9 Jun 1972 – Eggs went down to 19 1/2p per dozen and oil down to 9 1/2p per pint.

 10 Jun 1844 - Merchant Mr Joseph Shakery was waylaid by two armed men, on the road to San Roque, and taken to the mountains. A party of soldiers sent out by the Alcalde of San Roque rescued Mr Shakery, after killing one and capturing the other bandit. H.E. the Governor Gen Sir Robert Wilson wrote to the Alcalde, thanking him for his active and effective measures.

 10 Jun 1879 – Saw the arrival of the 79th Regt. The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders who remained in Gibraltar until 1882 when they were deployed to Egypt for the Anglo-Egyptian War. (The pipe tune ‘79th's farewell to Gibraltar’ was written in June 1848 by Pipe Major John Macdonald of the 79^th Cameron Highlanders when his regiment left Gibraltar for Canada.)

 10 Jun 1898 – (Span-America War) It is reported that an American has been arrested in Algeciras, tonight, charged with being in possession of the plans of the fortifications at Cadiz.

 10 Jun 1900 – General Sir George White, heroic defender of Ladysmith during the Boer War, was sworn in as Governor. Messrs. Gaggero organized a trip in the Gibel Musa to meet the P&O Sobraon (passenger vessel and contracted troopship) which brought Sir George to Gibraltar. There were illuminations at night and the town was en fete for several days. Addresses of welcome were presented by residents of Willis's and Flat Bastion Roads when visited by Sir George White.

 10 Jun 1931 – The suppression of the Brazilian Vice-Consulate at Gibraltar.

 10 Jun 1966 – Empire Day (1902–1958) which had become British Commonwealth Day (1958-1966) was again re-badged as Commonwealth Day from today; the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1977 it was moved again, to the second Monday in March, when the Queen traditionally sends a message to the youth of the Empire via a radio broadcast to all the various countries of the commonwealth.  The idea of ‘second Monday’ is to obscure an actual defined date, but apologist politicians’ attempts to make it disappear have been thwarted by QE II.

 10 Jun 1972 - In a supplement to the Gibraltar Gazette, the Extradition (High-jacking) Order of 1971 was brought into force to deal with any possible hijacked aircraft landing here.

 10 Jun 2004 – Today 54% of Gibraltar’s electorate turned out to vote in the European election. This was an historic occasion since although the Rock joined the EC with Britain in 1973 her citizens have been denied the right to vote in European elections until today. It was thanks to Denise Matthews’ application to the European Court and that Court’s subsequent determination that Britain was forced to put the procedure in place.

 10 Jun 2006 – The RGP seized a major shipment of cannabis resin, at sea, yesterday, in the second such operation this month. The drug was hidden between the hull and deck mouldings of a fibreglass launch. As in the first operation a tip-off came from Spain and there was close co-operation between the local force and the Guardia Civil. A Spaniard and a Gibraltarian were arrested.

11 Jun 1782 - (Gt Siege) An enemy shell burst caused Princess Anne's Battery (Willis’) Magazine to explode, shaking the whole Rock. 14 men were killed and 15 wounded.

 11 Jun 1898 - The Caisson for the detached mole placed in position. It was shaped like the frustrum of a pyramid, 101 feet long at the bottom and 74 feet along the top. At 33 feet wide and 37'6" deep, it weighed 150 tons and cost about £12,900. When filled with concrete it formed the base for two gigantic Titan cranes which would lift the 8,629 blocks into place forming the mole, which eventually reached 2,720 feet.

 11 Jun 1920 – The Colonial Secretary received instructions, via the Governor (Sir Horace Lockwood Smith Dorrien) that a census would be taken throughout the Empire on the same date, Sunday 24^th April 1921. It had been intended that the Gibraltar census would be taken simultaneously with the UK but in the event, it was postponed to Sunday 19^th June 1921 and Gibraltar was divided into four wards: ‘Castle’ ‘Old Town’ ‘Cathedral’ and ‘Europa’. The total population, Civil, Naval and Military inhabitants returned at 22,095 in 1921 as against 25,367 in 1911. The total civilian population was recorded as 18,700.

 11 Jun 1926 - Dorothy Garod discovered the frontal bone and other parts of a skull of a Neanderthal child in a rock shelter opposite the Devils Tower. They were believed to be at least 20,000 years old.

 11 Jun 1927 – Seventeen coal heavers were admitted to the Colonial Hospital with ptomaine poisoning after consuming corned beef.

 11 Jun 1934 – Brigadier the Hon. D.M. King, A.A. & Q.M.G., assumed the administration of government during leave of H.E. Governor, Gen. Sir C.H. Harington. 

 11 Jun 1936 - A Spanish prisoner escaped from the civil prison.

 11 Jun 1940 – British naval authorities said today that attempts to scuttle six Italian ships in Gibraltar Bay last night had been frustrated. (Madera Tribune, No 35) 

 11 Jun 1942 – Operation Harpoon: The Senior Officer, Force T sailed from Gibraltar in HMS Kenya, with Malaya, Eagle, Argus, Liverpool, Charybdis, Cairo and destroyers escorting harpoon convoy.

11 Jun 1969 - Rear Admiral IW Jamieson, Admiral Superintendent of Gibraltar Dockyard, stated that the recent withdrawal of the Spanish labour force had in no way impaired the Dockyard's capability for carrying out operational maintenance and repairs to Royal Navy and visiting ships. Meanwhile His Worship the Mayor, Sir Joshua Hassan, received a cable message of support from the Mayor of Goole, Yorkshire. Mr Ernest Mor, Resident Officer of T&GWU received a similar pledge of support from Frank Cousins (Gen Sec) and Jack Jones (Gen Sec elect) both of T&GWU.

 12 Jun 1727 – (13^th Siege) A letter was delivered to Lord Portmore by hand emissary from the Dutch Minister in Spain together with a copy of preliminary articles signed by several powers for a suspension of arms. Hostilities ceased on both sides.

 12 June 1813 – ‘Portsmouth, June 11^th, arrived His Majesty’s ship Helena, 18 guns, Captain Montresor, with the following ships under convoy from Gibraltar - Atlantic, Jenkins; Warwick, Lambton; Lady Banks, Brussel; Trent, Pearson; Pough, Hick; Nancy, Jolly and Betsey, Dore; and the Swedish ship Prince Charles, Torngren; from Malaga; the whole are placed under quarantine. The Helean left Gibraltar on the 10^th ultimo, with 21 sail. Also arrived is the Tartarus, Capt. Pascoe, with seven sail of American prizes, from Bermuda last from Falmouth.’ (London Chronicle, Volume 113, June 12^th)

 12 Jun 1877 - A German Squadron of four ships arrived and was accorded a 21 gun salute, which they returned.

 12 Jun 1936 - The Gordon Highlanders leave for Palestine in HMS Repulse.

 12 Jun 1961 – It was announced in the Chronicle that Major J Patron, Speaker of the  Legislative Council, was to be knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

 12 Jun 1969 – The Gibraltar Housewives Association received a number of applications for part-time jobs. Surprisingly, according to the Chronicle, there were no vacancies for part-timers. 

12 Jun 1978 – At least five crewmen were killed when an American bulk carrier and an Algerian freighter collided in thick fog in the strait, 14 miles south of Gibraltar. The crewmen were from the 11,000 ton bulker Yellowstone which was nearly sliced in two by the 6,000 ton Algerian freighter Ibn Battuta. British naval helicopters based in Gibraltar ferried two seriously injured crewmen to the Rock while British Navy ships searched for two missing Americans. The submarine Finwhale was first on the scene and found the two vessels locked together. It was initially thought the ships would sink but now there is hope that Yellowstone can be salvaged. (In fact she sank next day) The Ibn Battuta will be able to reach port unaided. First reports seemed to indicate the collision involved the Ibn Battuta tourist ferry. Fearing many more casualties the Gibraltar naval authorities diverted a number of ships to the scene.

  13 Jun 1721 - Britain, France and Spain agreed to guarantee the Treaties of Utrecht, Baden and London.

 13 Jun 1826 – The Eden, Capt. Lawrence, left today for England. The only ship remaining in the bay is the survey vessel Mastiff, Capt. Copeland, who has completed the survey of both sides of the Straits and the Harbour of Ceuta; she is soon to sail for Malta and eventually the Archipelago islands to survey them..

 13 Jun 1886 - Fire in a stable at Buena Vista, 3 horses burnt to death

 13 Jun 1905 – Today saw he departure of Governor Sir George White and family (end of tour) aboard the Otranto for England.

 13 Jun 1905 – A serious accident in HMS Magnificent resulted in several casualties. A faulty shell was placed in a 6 inch gun but failed to fire; when the loader opened the breech, contact with the fresh air detonated the shell.

 13 Jun 1931 - Re-trial of Ernest Opisso for the murder of Miss Maria Luisa Bossano, the previous November, concluded this day when he was sentenced to death. He was hanged on 3rd July.

 13 Jun 1936 – The Speed (football) Cup was won by Europa F.C.

 13 Jun 1936 – H.E. the Governor presented the prizes at Sandpits Tennis Club’s end of season finals of the Inter-Unit and Ellerton Cups.

 13 Jun 1948 – A fire destroyed the Naval Trust Cinema, Reclamation Road, on the site now occupied by Regal House. The building, which had originally been a WW1 seaplane hangar, became a cinema in 1923.

 13 Jun 1966 – Spanish authorities increased restrictions on the customs at Algeciras and La Linea. UK residents in the Campo, who had up to now been allowed to visit Gibraltar once a week and take back with them a limited quantity of groceries to the value of 30/- (on payment of 6/- custom duty) were now warned by customs officials that in future they would not be allowed anything at all. The same measures applied to all tourists visiting Gibraltar.

 13 Jun 1969 – Chief Minister Sir Joshua Hassan announce to the Legislative Council that elections under the new constitution would be held in early August.

 13 June 2003 – Spain has taken on command of land forces for NATO South Europe as of today. During the height of the Cold War there were 78 Command Centres; recently the 20 remaining centres have been reduced to 11. Under the new structure there will still be a Supreme Allied Commander for operations, based in Belgium. Below that there will be 3 joint regional commands, down from 5, then six tactical level commands; 2 each for air, land and sea operations, instead of 13. This is the cherry on the cake for Spain, who despite their poor operational effectiveness, managed to gain the control based on their geographical location. They were also prime movers in lobbying for the removal of Gibraltar from the structure.

 14 Jun 1870 – The first telegram was sent on the new submarine cable which opened from Gibraltar to Portugal and England, today.

 14 Jun 1887 - Civilian Racing Club established.

 14 Jun 1897 - Captain Winwood was killed whilst playing polo in Campo.

 14 Jun 1909 – The steamer Prinzess Irene arrived in Gibraltar with 110 first class passengers from the wrecked Cunard liner RMS Slavonia, which was lost on June 9^th after running aground in fog at Punta dos Fenais, on the island of Flores, Azores. Help was summoned by wireless telegraphy; thought to be the first use of the signal SOS, which was replacing the previously used signal CQD. The 300 steerage passengers were taken on board the Hamburg-America Line Batavia. The crew were left on board but went ashore later that day whereupon the Slavonia was looted by local Floreans and became a total wreck. The arriving passengers told distressing stories of their experiences, somewhat ameliorated by Cunard arranging their accommodation in Gibraltar’s principal hotels. 84 of the 1^st class passengers continued in the Prinzess Irene to Naples. Any steerage passengers amongst them were put up at the Welcome Home and King Edward’s Institute.

 14 Jun 1917 – The Public Baths in Irish Town re-opened after extensive repairs.

 14 Jun 1918 - Port dues were increased.

 14 Jun 1929 - Driving on the left ended.

 14 Jun 1934 – A French fleet arrived, under command of Admiral Laborde, flying his flag in the destroyer Tartu. Official visits were exchanged with H.E. the acting Governor and Admiral Austin; during the fleet’s stay many entertainments were organized. (The flagship was named for Jean-Francois Tartu, who fought in the American War of Independence as an NCO and was distinguished in the French Revolution. Whilst at war with Britain, as master of the Uranie, he was killed whilst disabling HMS Thames on 24 Oct 1793.)

 14 Jun 1936 – Saw the start of the Algeciras Fair.

 14 Jun 1936 – The annual Corpus Christie procession through the streets of Gibraltar was presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. R.J. Fitzgerald.

 14 Jun 1940 – Franco’s forces seized control of Tangiers International Zone. Spain seized the opportunity, amongst the collapse of the French Third Republic, for a contingent of 4000 Moroccan soldiers based in Spanish Morocco to occupy the Zone. They met no resistance. Tangier reverted to its International Zone basis after the war.

 14 Jun 1948 – The first locally produced bottle of Coca Cola rolled off the production line after Charles Gaggero was officially awarded the local franchise earlier that year. In 1968 he was bought-out by rival Saccone & Speed who continue to produce Coca Cola to this day.

 14 Jun 1964 – A runaway horse gharry from Casemates was finally captured at the South end of Main Street after a Police chase. Luckily there were no personal injuries but it did surprise some early morning visitors around 8.30am.

 14 Jun 1967 – In a statement to the House of Commons, Mrs Judith Hart, Minister for Commonwealth Affairs, announced that in early September, Gibraltarians were to vote in a referendum to decide the basic factor in their future and that of the Rock. The choice would be simply between a relationship with Britain or Spain. This is the origin of National Day.

 14 Jun 1972 - An advert in the Chronicle invited tenders for the demolition of fortifications at Waterport and other work to allow access for the contractor on the Varyll Begg site.

 14 Jun 1982 – (Falklands War) Argentina surrenders.

 14 Jun 2001- Commissioning of the new RGP launch Sir Joshua Hassan.

 14 Jun 2002 – RAF Gibraltar announced the intention to spend some £8M on refurbishment of operational surfaces, taxiways and hard standings at the airport. The main contractor was Mowlem but the work was actually carried out by Lagan of Belfast…. so no money spent here then. It is the biggest overhaul since the 1950s, although the runway itself was resurfaced just a few years ago.

 14 Jun 2005 – The Gibraltar Botanic Gardens at the Alameda has just published its latest Index Seminum, or seed index, for the first time in full colour. Botanic gardens around the world run a programme in which they exchange seeds at no cost, provided they are meant for gardens’ collections, research or conservation. The G.B.G. index offers seeds from 211 species, many of them rare or endangered. These include 99 species of Aloe, many derived from plants donated several years ago by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

 15 Jun 1815 - Governor Sir George Don summoned a meeting of Protestant inhabitants to raise funds to support Civil Hospital.

 15 Jun 1835 – HM sloop the Jaseur, (18 guns) Com. J Hackett, has stopped and detained in Gibraltar - on suspicion of being a slaving vessel - the Cazador, a fine Spanish brig with a crew of 60 men. She was ready for an immediate start, having her sails stopped with rope yarns, and her cable (iron) unshackled and ready to slip. The officer of the Jaseur immediately ordered her crew below, planted his sentinels and in a few moments had her in complete possession. On search, it was ascertained beyond doubt, that she was so intended, shackles being found on board, as well as an extraordinary proportion of powder, arms and water; the slave deck, and in fact everything specified in the Act of Parliament as necessary for her condemnation. (Hants. Telegraph)

 15 Jun 1880 - Lt Mackenzie, 79th Highlanders, died.

 15 Jun 1924 – A fire at Puenta Mayorga consumed large quantities of hay and straw. The Gibraltar Fire Brigade attended.

 15 Jun 1929 – The regulation stating traffic must keep to the right came into force this day. As from tomorrow we must drive in the continental manner.

 15 Jun 1933 - Regimental Band and Bugles of the Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry gave a concert at Algeciras during their annual feria.

 15 Jun 1936 - A Royal Marine Guard was posted at Government House (Convent); a rare occurrence in 1930s Gibraltar.

15 Jun1942 - Operation Harpoon, which had left Gibraltar on the 11th, was heavily engaged from daylight in the Pantellaria by two 6" cruisers, three destroyers and aircraft. HMS Cairo and the destroyers held off this force successfully but two merchantmen were damaged by bombs and had to be sunk. Bedouin and Partridge were damaged. Bedouin was later torpedoed by aircraft and sunk after after being taken in tow by Partridge. Partridge was reduced to 12 knots and was ordered to make for Gibraltar. The remaining two merchant ships reached Malta after dark but Hebe, Matchless, Badsworth, Polish destroyer Kujawaik and SS Orari were mined while the convoy was swept into Grand Harbour. The Polish destroyer Kujawaik was sunk but the other ships reached harbour. Cairo and the rest of the escort entered harbour, being too late to make the passage westward. Welshman arrived safely at dawn, unloaded in the day and put to sea again to assist the convoy. The enemy cruisers were attacked during the day by torpedo bomber aircraft from Malta and hits were reported, but their speed was apparently unaffected.

 15 Jun 1961 - First freedom of the city awarded to Gustavo Bacarisas.

 15 Jun 2001 – Yesterday, Lady Hassan officially launched a new Police motor boat named Sir Joshua Hassan. The Nelson 42, Mk II, specially designed for Police use, was blessed by Police Chaplain, Monsignor Paul Bear, in the presence of Governor, Chief Minister, RGP Commissioner and officers and members of Sir Joshua’s family.

 15 Jun 2005 – The Gibraltar Cruise Terminal today welcomed its 1,000,000^th passenger, with some pomp and a shower of presents. Mrs Young from Newcastle on Tyne arrived in the cruise ship Sea Princess. Mr Young had served in Gibraltar with the military. The Youngs were met by Minister Holiday, Miss Gibraltar, Rooke Volunteer Band and the History Alive Volunteers. They were given presents donated by businesses on the Rock after a begging letter from the Tourist Board had been circulated by the Chamber of Commerce a week earlier.

 15 Jun 2005 – Moroccan Transport Minister, Karim Ghellab, today announced that the offshore geological study of the seabed for the proposed Spain–Morocco railway tunnel is 95% complete. The British Seacore Company has conducted a series of drillings (as part of the study since Jan 2005) to identify the nature of the seabed along the proposed route. Three rail galleries are proposed between Malabata (Morocco) and Paloma (Spain) some 37.7kms. The study has cost 27M Euros.

 15 Jun 2012 – At 0933 today an explosion occurred on board the ship High Power, anchored off South Mole. It was an auxiliary steam boiler that exploded and clouds of smoke were seen, followed by clouds of steam, issuing from the ship’s funnel. There was nor fire, no pollution and no injuries. The Gibraltar emergency services attended as a precaution.

 16 Jun 1779 – (Gt. Siege) Spain entered the American War of Independence on the side of France and the United States against Great Britain. The first action of the Spanish campaign was against the British Territory of Gibraltar and its small garrison under the Governor General Augustus Eliott. Five days later the Spanish began a blockade of The Rock, marking the beginning of the Great Siege. 

 16 Jun 1886 – The departure of the 2nd King's Own Borderers.

 16 Jun 1919 – Major C.W.J. Orr was appointed Colonial Secretary.

 16 Jun 1929 – At 5 am this morning Gibraltar changed from driving on the left (correct) side of the road to driving on the right (continental) side of the road. Was this a trouser dropping move by the colonial government or a desire to buy continental cars?

 16 Jun 1969 – The Housewives Association held its AGM. During a heated discussion on the Housewives Trading Company, Mrs Llambias, the President, insisted that the meeting was not of the shareholders of the company, which could only be called by the Managing Director Mrs Angela Smith.  A letter was circulated, to be signed by anxious shareholders, to be handed to Mrs Smith to demand such a meeting. Mrs Llambias spoke of two prospective buyers for the company, which she admitted was a complete loss. Two large creditors were mentioned and she gave little hope to shareholders of recovery of their investment. There was also a tremendous response from the housewives to the withdrawal of Spanish labour – but Mrs Llambias could not say the same for the employers who did not seem to want part-time labour.

 17 Jun 1727 – (13^th Siege) Today, two corporals of the Guards boxed over a rail until both expired; nobody can tell for what reason.

 17 Jun 1876 - The fish market temporarily removed to the Calesas stand. (In this context Calesas means horse carriages)

 17 Jun 1918 – A presentation was made at Algeciras of KCMG insignia to General Villalta, Governor of Algeciras, by H.E. Sir H.S.G. Miles. (Knight Comm. of St Michael & St George.)

 17 Jun 1922 - HRH Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) arrived in HMS Renown. HRH lunched at the Convent (Gov. Smith Dorrien) dining at the Mount, leaving before midnight.

 17 Jun 1935 – Brigadier the Hon. W.T. Brooks assumed the administration of government during the absence on leave of H.E. the Governor.

 17 Jun 1936 – General Criminal Sessions.

 17 Jun 1936 – Prize giving at the Dockyard School was delivered by Rear Admiral James M. Pipon.

 17 Jun 1936 – Gibraltar Society visited the Waterworks.

 17 Jun 1936 – The death occurred of Miss Victoria Onetti.

 17 Jun 1942 – HMS Wild Swan (D62) was sunk off SW Ireland at 50-00N, 11-00W, by Junkers 88 bombers whilst supporting UK to Gibraltar convoy HG 84.

17 Jun 1942 - HMS Malaya, Eagle, Argus, Liverpool and other ships returning from Operation Harpoon, including Partridge, arrived at Gibraltar.

17 Jun 1959 - HE the Governor Sir Charles Keightley opened the new RAF Offciers Mess at Four Corners.

17 Jun 1965 - The death occurred of local composer and conductor Mr Victor Bashery. His last public appearance had been 29th May when the Gibraltar Band gave a concert at Catalan Bay. Victor's compositions included a paso-doble to the Englis bulfighter Vincent Charles. 

 18 Jun 1859 - First Colonial Secretary, Captain Freeling RA, appointed.

 18 Jun 1865 – A fire alarm was given at around 2 a.m. and the troops turned out to Mr Andrew Morasso’s ice factory at North Front. The building was largely made of wood and was reduced to a skeleton in half an hour; there was little the fire fighters could do.

 18 Jun 1882 – The death occurred of Mr H.R. Semper, Chief Justice.

 18 Jun 1884 – The Foundation stone of the Calpe Hunt’s new Kennels was laid at North Front by Lady Adye, wife to the Governor. Many of the huntsmen were dressed in full regalia and there was a large crowd of onlookers. The stone was suspended on light shears by the edge of the roadway where the Huntsman’s house was to be built. The ceremony began at 5.30 pm and in an aperture underneath the stone was placed a box containing the day’s Chronicle, a list of hunt members for the 1883-4 season, a new peseta and a half peseta. The stone was then lowered and Lady Adye performed the usual ceremony with a trowel.

 18 Jun 1899 – Private LT Jones, 2^nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, saved two men of the Coldstream Guards who, whilst bathing at Camp Bay, were carried out by the strong undercurrent. Jones swam out at great risk to himself and rescued both men. He was awarded the RHS Bronze Medal in Case No 30080.

 18 Jun 1926 – The death of Mr John A Imossi; the funeral service took place next day attended by the Governors of Gibraltar and Algeciras.

 18 Jun 1936 – A proclamation was issued by H.E. the Governor re: the Alameda Gardens (Revocation) Order in Council.

 18 Jun 1936 – “Tons of Money” was produced by amateurs at the Assembly Rooms.

 18 Jun 1940 - Papers recently released by PRO tell that on this day in 1940, the UK government considered ceding Gibraltar to Spain in return for assistance from Franco. Fortunately Churchill decided otherwise.

 18 Jun 1941 – U-138 depth charged west of Cape Trafalgar by HMS Faulknor, HMS Fearless, HMS Foxhound and HMS Forrester.

 18 Jun 1942 - HMS Cairo and Force Z arrived at Gibraltar.

 18 Jun 1956 - St Michael’s Cave & the Upper Galleries, including St George’s Hall, were added to the Rock’s sightseeing attractions under the auspices of the Gibraltar Tourist Bureau.

18 Jun 1961 - Robert Gordon aged 21 was drowned at Getares beach whilst swimming with his friend PC Ernest Figueras.

18 Jun 2003 - In the early hours of this Wednesday morning, the 50 foot yacht Perkeo, en route from the Azores to Alicante, was seized by Gibraltar Customs. They found a stash of 550Kg of cocaine hidden within three specially prepared, sealed compartments which could only be accessed by breaking into them. Two crew members, a Spaniard and a Slovakian, were arrested as was an English woman who arrived on a flight from London. The officers were acting on intelligence received from the GC in Alicante. The drugs were said to have a street value of £30M... possibly in UK. Their street value in their intended destination, Alicante, would be £21M. Both figures are well below Panorama's listing of £90M.

18 Jun 2008 - In the annual UN Special Committee on Decolonisation meeting on the Gibraltar question, Peter Caruana, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, stated that he would not attend future meetings as the Gibraltar Government is of the opinion that ' there is no longer any need for us to look to the Committee to help us bring about our decolonisation.' The Committee agreed that the question of Gibraltar would be discussed again next year.

 19 Jun 1800 – The British merchant ship Gibraltar, on a voyage from Gibraltar to Lisbon, sprang a leak in the Atlantic off Cape St Vincent and was abandoned by her crew.

 19 Jun 1834 – The first case of what turned out to be an epidemic of (suspected) cholera broke out and was reported in the Gibraltar Chronicle.

 19 Jun 1847 - Lieutenant Campbell, the Town Adjutant, died at Campamento.

 19 Jun 1870 - An anonymous letter was picked up in the south intimating that a powder train had been laid to one of the powder magazines on The Rock. Upon examination it was found that no such train had been laid and a reward of $50 was offered for information leading to the originator of the letter.

 19 Jun 1917 - Nine days of general strike by Spanish workers began.

 19 Jun 1921 - Census taken today: 18,540 Civilians; 546 Royal Navy; 2,932 Military; a total Population of 22,018. It had been 25,367 in 1911.

 19 Jun 1963 – During dense fog, the Norwegian tanker Fosna (10,880 tons) collided with the Italian motor vessel Gianna Zeta (1,595 tons) carrying phosphates from Casablanca to Sete. Gianna Zeta sank at 36’8N 4’43W (between Gibraltar and Malaga) a few hours later. All aboard were rescued and brought to Gibraltar by the Fosna, where 19 crew and 9 passengers, all Italian, including 5 women, were landed. (See dramatic pics of Zeta’s last moments)

 19 Jun 1969 – The GPO introduced a special slogan postmark on the occasion of the bicentenary of the Shaar Hashamayim (Gate of Heaven) Synagogue of Engineer’s Lane.

   19 Jun 1971 – The Chronicle reports; A lamp post opposite Harry’s Trafalgar Bar, in Rosia Road was badly bent - and the lamp smashed – when it was hit by the Governor’s Landrover yesterday morning. There were no passengers in it at the time. The front of the vehicle was extensively damaged and the driver was taken to hospital with a cut lip and loosened teeth. 

 19 Jun 1971 – The Chronicle reports; At an emergency meeting of the GRA Committee, it was unanimously agreed that the referees withdraw their services for GFA games for the rest of the season until such time as the GRA are given guarantee that officials will be protected against spectators at GFA Cup and League games.

 19 Jun 1972 – The German power-boat Miss WD40 led the remaining 8 competitors, out of 22 starters, left in the London to Monte Carlo 3000 mile marathon, as they passed the Rock yesterday. Miss WD-40 rounded Europa at 11.45am on the 200 mile leg from Portimao to Marbella followed 15mins later by Conserve or Perish (GB); Zoom (Monaco) Ford HAS (GB); Nauti Ford (GB) and Ford HTS (GB). The RAF high-speed launch under Sqdn Ldr Douglas Laird, sent out on standby rescue, enabled local pressmen to have a grandstand view of the race.

 19 Jun 1989 - Queen Elizabeth II decorated King Juan Carlos with the Order of The Garter, at Windsor Castle... no comment.

 20 Jun 1863 - Mr SA Adderley, Colonial Secretary, died at Algeciras.

 20 Jun 1885 – Governor General Sir John Adye rescinded the order requiring civilians to have permits if they wished to be out of doors after midnight.

 20 Jun 1891 – Private Thomas Murray of the South Staffordshire Regiment, at great personal risk, rescued Corporal Spencer from drowning in the bay and was awarded the RHS Bronze Medal. Case No 25428.

 20 Jun 1904 – The United States battleship squadron consisting of the Kearsage, Alabama, Maine and Iowa arrived today and will proceed to Tangier after coaling.

 20 Jun 1917 - General strike of all classes of Spanish labour, in sympathy with the carters who had been on strike since 2nd June, now affecting over 2000 hands. No vegetables bread or fish were allowed in by the strikers but the Governor of Algeciras (General Villalta) took opportune measures and soon these articles came in. The kind assistance of the Army Service Corps prevented bread from failing. The strike ended on the 29th June 1917; all the men, but for a few trifling exceptions, returning to work.  NB:  It's fairly clear on where the reporter's sympathy lay.

 20 Jun 1928 – Governor Gen. Sir Charles Monro laid the foundation stone of the new market.

 20 Jun 1933 - Diocesan Pilgrimage headed by His Lordship the Bishop, left for Rome on board SS Conte di Savoia.

 20 June 1934 – Termination of an important action for “Ancient Lights” (ie. the right to light) at the Supreme Court after a 7 day hearing with a special jury. A judgement was given in favour of the plaintiff, Mr W J J Thomson. The defendant was Mr S.L. Balensi. It is believed to have been the first action of this kind in Gibraltar.

 20 Jun 1952 - Sir Gordon MacMillan reviewed a parade of the British Legion at the Convent Garden; this was the first parade of its kind ever held in Gibraltar.

 20 Jun 1953 - In London, the premiere of Captain's Paradise was held. The film, starring Alec Guiness, was set on board a ferry plying the Strait between Tangier and Gibraltar, the Captain having a wife on each side.

 20 Jun 1969 – More than 300 Spanish ex-workers crossed to Gibraltar on the Algeciras ferries using their workers’ passes, to collect the wages due to them. They were mostly those employed with Official Employers and the money was for work done but for which they had not previously been able to collect wages.

 20 Jun 2000 – Telephone Tapping: After the Chief Justice and the Attorney General feared their telephones were being interfered with, the Labour/Liberal opposition has called on the Governor David Durie to establish what is happening with regard to telephone tapping. This is a bit like asking the fox to look after the chickens.

 20 Jun 2000 – Telephone Tapping: The Commissioner of Police, Mr Castree, who had been refusing to answer questions, or give adequate reasons for not doing so, has now broken his silence after questions from the local press to the Governor about the subject. Mr Castree says that the RGP has not been engaged in telephone tapping whilst he has been Commissioner. He does not, of course, answer for the GSP who have a long history of ‘phone tapping – for security reasons – nor did he explain that since the System X exchange has been operational, ‘phone tapping may be routinely conducted by the technical support company Plessey, in Liverpool, on presentation of a warrant from the Home Secretary… In which case, it is referred to as telephone interception, to make it sound less criminal. (It eventually emerged that the A.G.’s ‘phone was tapped by a private contractor working for MI5)

 20 Jun 2002 – A ship in the Strait ran across the body of a 30 foot, 7 ton, Minke whale which was subsequently tethered to detached mole until it might be disposed of. It was in an advanced state of decomposition, severely bloated and floating upside down. A Gibraltar Squadron RIB, the MoD tug Capable and the Gibraltar Clearance Divers assisted Eric Shaw (GONHS) in towing the whale to deep water (a kilometre from Europa Point) before exploding the carcase and allowing it to sink.

 21 Jun 1763 – The St Anthony, Capt. Garcin, a French ship on the homeward bound passage from Capo Francois, was taken by a Barbary rover of 10 guns and 200 men about 25 leagues to the Eastward of the straits, and was carried into Gibraltar where the ship was ransomed, at the request of the French Consul, for the sum of 16000 livres, for the damage that was done by killing and wounding some of the cruizer’s men. The French captain says that whilst he was in Gibraltar a Dutch snow was brought in by a Salletine galliot of 3 guns, 12 pounders.

 21 Jun 1779 - (Gt Sge) Communication forbidden between the Rock and Spain and all guards reinforced. The Jews and Genoese levelled the sand on the isthmus and no civilians were permitted to remain in the garrison except those who would assist in its defence.

 21 Jun 1825 – The steam vessel London Engineer, formerly engaged as a Margate vessel, arrived in Gibraltar today, 18 days out of London and 9 from Falmouth. She will leave shortly for Malta and thence to Egypt. (Globe)  London Engineer was a paddle steamer built in 1818 with a 70hp engine. Her hull was what aficionados call cods-head, mackerel-tail.

 21 Jun 1830 – A Proclamation was issued by Sir George Don, which in effect removed the policing of Gibraltar from the Town Major and the military authorities and into the hands of a civilian force. The proclamation appointed Major James Rowan to the position of Civil Police Magistrate and Mr Henry Morgan to Director of the Police and Supervisor of the Market. This was the formal establishment of the Gibraltar Police Force which became operational four days later on the 25th June.

 21 Jun 1889 – A major fire broke out at Senor Larios’ cork factory in La Linea; great quantities of cork were lost.

 21 Jun 1898 – Spanish engineers and infantry are constructing roads from Algeciras to Cabrita Point, where a fortification will be erected. (See 13^th July)

 21 Jun 1959 – Gibraltar’s top motor cyclist Johnny Gracia riding in events organized by the Real Moto Club of Algeciras in connection with the Fair, won the 250cc and 500cc events but was forced to retire from the 125cc event with engine trouble.

 21 Jun 1927 – The inauguration of the Tangier to Fez railway took place today.

 22 Jun 1825 – The British frigate Active arrived at Cadiz (held by the French at that time) from Gibraltar. A French armed brig, which in observation on the sanitary service, sent out a boat to advise the Active that she must perform quarantine and should go first to the lazaretto of Mahon. A contest arose with the Commander of the Active, who stated that he came to a Spanish port and consequently ought not to recognise any other authority than that of the Spaniards. After the point had been contested for some time, the Active entered into the port without performing quarantine.

 22 Jun 1881 - A comet was observed.

 22 Jun 1897 - Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations; a gracious message was sent to HM via the Governor, who responded in cordial terms. 

 22 Jun 1927 - Arrival of HRHs Duke & Duchess of York (subsequently to become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) on board HMS Renown, calling on their return to Britain after opening the House of Parliament in Canberra, Australia. They landed at the Main Wharf, HM Dockyard and were received by Governor and Lady Monro. The Renown left at 11pm giving a display of fireworks and hearty cheers from the sailors in response to those given by the inhabitants.

 22 Jun 1934 – Gibraltar Colonial Services Miniature Rifle Range was opened by Lt. Col. the Hon. A.E. Beattie, Colonial Secretary, who fired the first shot.

 22 Jun 1960 – The Spanish trawler Baca Geronimo Pelayo went aground at Punta Cires between Tangier and Ceuta during fog. Her crew of ten men from Huelva were all rescued by other Spanish trawlers and landed at Ceuta. The vessel was a total wreck.

 22 Jun 1971 – The AREA reports; The mayor of La Linea don Juan Blasco Quintana has presented Gen. Franco and the Prince of Spain with the first gold medals of the city’s stadium ‘Francisco Franco’. At an audience granted by the Head of State, Sr Blasco said “the stadium built next to the British frontier was a clear indication of Spain’s affinity to peace and of her renunciation of violence despite foreign insolence.”

 22 June 2005 – The Gate of Granada is the latest major archaeological re-discovery of a piece of medieval Gibraltar. The pillars of this (Merinid occupation) gate, main entrance to the city in the 14^th century, have been found in remarkably good condition buried under rubble at the entrance to the jungle just below Moorish Castle estate, at the southern end of the northern defences.

 22 Jun 2016 – Juan Ignacio Minguez Martinez, 53, a resident of Madrid and chairman of the right wing Vox party, was arrested in connection with the unfurling of a large Spanish flag on the upper rock, near Signal Station Road. The event received widespread coverage in Spanish media. Juan Ignacio will be charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace when he appears before the magistrates tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Meanwhile he remains in Police custody… largely for his own protection.

 23 Jun 1874 – Telegraphic communication to South America by cable established.

 23 Jun 1893 – It was reported that the Governor Sir Lothian Nicholson was suffering from a severe attack of fever contracted during a recent visit to Ronda. He died four days later and was buried at North Front cemetery.

 23 Jun 1904 – The American battleship Missouri arrived in port and will join Rear Admiral Barker’s squadron at Piraeus.

23 Jun 1921 – A serious fire at Levy & Co premises, North Front, caused considerable damage.

 23 Jun 1936 - King Edward VIII's birthday parade at North Front. A Naval Guard of Honour was inspected by H.E. opposite the Catholic Cathedral and Royal Marines Guard at Government House. A Garden Party was held at Government House for the Military & for LCs at which insignia of the O.B.E. was presented to Mr J.J. Russo and Mr J. Discombe.

 23 Jun 1936 – The death occurred of Mrs Sidonie Dautez de Gareze.

 23 Jun 1943 – Having been tipped off by Charles Danino about a planned bomb attack on Ragged Staff Magazine, MI5 set up a sting operation, catching Luis Lopez Cordon-Cuenca with the timing device. Bill Adamson arrested him at the boulevard and he was tried on the 19^th Aug and condemned on the 25^th. An appeal to the Privy Council was rejected on the 13^th Dec and he was hanged at Moorish Castle on 11^th Jan 1944. 

 23 Jun 1972 - First Gibraltar election fought solely on a party basis.

 23 Jun 2004 – Six years after the media alerted the public to the escape of a large cloud of radioactive material (Caesium 137) from Acerinox Palmones, in Los Barrios, the last 20 tonnes of some 620 tonnes of radioactive ash, has finally been shipped out to Germany for safe disposal.

 24 Jun 1883 – The late Chief Justice, the Hon Sir J Cochrane, died.

 24 Jun 1890 - Outbreak of contagious disease reported in Spain; restrictions placed on free entry into Gibraltar.

 24 Jun 1902 - Festivities for coronation of HM King Edward VII, postponed due to his illness. Prayers offered at churches and synagogues on 29th for his recovery.

 24 Jun 1929 – The Exchange & Commercial Library petitioned the authorities for representation on the City Council to be amended to 5 elected and 4 appointed members, instead of the reverse. This request for an elected majority on the City Council was refused.

 24 Jun 1936 – The Inter Regimental Polo Cup Final; prizes were presented by Mrs Brooke to staff and departments.

 24 Jun 1972 - The AACR, led by Sir Joshua Hassan, won the general election.

Candidates and votes:  AACR: Hassan (5001); Canepa (4770); Montegriffo (4713); Abecasis (4712); Featherstone (4681); Serfaty (4670); Zammit (4604); Hoare ( 4571). IWBP: Peliza (4516); Xiberras (4502); Isola P (4496); Isola W (4411); Bossano (4382); Caruana (4369); Devincenzi (3282); Smith (4337).

 25 Jun 1830 - The Gibraltar Police Force became operational. It became the oldest Police force in the Commonwealth and the second oldest British Police force in the world. The Metropolitan Police had been formed in London by Sir Robert Peel just nine months earlier and the Gibraltar Police was modelled on the same lines. Metropolitan Police officers were seconded to Gibraltar to assist in its formation. The first Chief of Police, Henry Morgan, remained in post until 1859. Initially, patrols were maintained jointly with the military and all civilians detained would be passed to the Police Magistrate to be dealt with. Sir Robert Peel, twice Prime Minister of UK, died in 1850 after a riding accident.

 25 Jun 1843 – The U.S. ship Delaware, Com. Morgan, Capt. McCauley, arrived today from Lisbon and will sail tomorrow for the United States.

 25 Jun 1850 - Lord Palmerston addressed the House of Commons on the Don David Pacifico affair; "I therefore fearlessly challenge the verdict which this house is to give whether, as the Roman, in the days of old, held himself free from indignity, when he could say Civis Romanus Sum; so also a British subject from Gibraltar, in whatever land he may be, shall feel confident that the watchful eye and the strong arm of England will protect him against injustice and wrong"… and started a war.

 25 Jun 1888 - Exchange on the sovereign 39.50.

 25 Jun 1902 – Due to the serious illness of King Edward VIIth, all celebrations connected with the coronation were cancelled in Gibraltar.

 25 Jun 1912 - Information was received that Field Marshal Sir George White, hero of Ladysmith and popular Governor from 1900 - 1905, had died at Chelsea Hospital.

 25 Jun 1934 - The Rt. Hon. Sir Austen and Lady Chamberlain landed from Cunard’s RMS Samaria whilst on a Mediterranean cruise. Sir Austen was an English politician and K.G. who was awarded the Nobel Peace prize for negotiating the Locarno Pact in 1925.

 25 Jun 1936 – Brigadier the Hon. W.T. Brookes assumed the administration of Government during the absence on leave of H.E. the Governor.

 25 Jun 2005 – 160 serving and retired RGP officers paraded at casemates to celebrate the 175^th anniversary of the Royal Gibraltar Police.

 25 Jun 2004 – The Spaniards are all stirred up by Princess Anne’s visit, next week, when she will represent the Queen at our tercentenary festivities. Spain describes the visit as “inopportune and likely to further cloud Anglo Spanish relations over the Rock”… as if its any of their business.

 26 Jun 1819 – Saw the 1st performance in Gibraltar of a Spanish Comedy & Drama Group.

 26 Jun 1830 - George IV died.

 26 Jun 1903 - A retaining wall at Catalan Bay collapsed onto a house belonging to Vicente Robba. A mother and two of the four children inside were killed.

 26 Jun 1913 - The appointment was announced of Lt Gen Sir HSG Miles as Governor replacing Gen Sir Archibald Hunter who had resigned. Gvnr Miles was sworn into office 19th Aug

 26 Jun 2000 - Asuncion Terejina, 45, of Spain's Great Orient Lodge became first woman appointed as Grand Master of Spanish Freemasonry. She wants to remove the negative image of the order, built up in Franco's days.

 26 Jun 2000 - Col AL Moorby appointed new Chief Staff Officer (Ops) at BF Gibraltar. This is effectively OiC Natives (sic) as the Lt. Colonel of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment (Francis Brancato) reports directly to him.

 26 Jun 2000 - The 9.00pm Monarch Airway ZB069 to Luton, had to abandon take off with an emergency stop (full reverse-thrust) after suffering a bird-strike. After three hours rigorous examination the aircraft left at midnight.

 26 Jun 2002 – A New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion, anti-submarine warfare aircraft, declared a precautionary emergency whilst coming in to land at RAF Gibraltar en route to the UK.  The problem was smoke and fumes in the cockpit. All military and civilian emergency services were alerted and were on scene when the aircraft landed safely at Gibraltar. “There were no injuries but a few of the crew did inhale smoke and were taken to RNH for tests” said a spokesman.

 26 Jun 2003 – A Bonelli’s eagle, illegally taken from a nest in Spain in 1996, was released on the Rock today. The bird, which was not imprinted, had been fully trained to catch yellow legged gulls before release and now appears happy on the cliffs above Catalan Bay. Bonellis were last recorded nesting in Gibraltar by H Rait-Kerr in 1933.

 26 Jun 2004 – Today, Sunday, the Royal Navy were busy replacing the mast, yard and rigging which adorn the Tower of HM Naval Base. The old mast actually collapsed some weeks ago, leading to concern amongst some residents that the RN are pulling out. However, red faces at the tower were relieved when a Saturday and Sunday’s overtime restored the mast just in time for HRH Princess Anne to see.

 27 Jun 1826 – It is reported that the Columbian privateer frigate Republicana has been seized by order of the Governor of the garrison, in consequence of evidence that some of the prize had taken British property on board. (Globe)

 27 Jun 1893 - Governor, General Sir Lothian Nicholson died today and was buried in Gibraltar next day.

 27 Jun 1904 – The American cruiser squadron, commanded by Rear Admiral Chadwick, arrived today from Tangier. 

 27 Jun 1919 – Bread was reduced to 4d per pound.

 27 Jun 1956 - Two Italian liners were anchored in the bay; the Andrea Doria leaving for New York and the Cristoforo Colombo arriving from New York.

 27 Jun 1958 – The first speaker of the Legislative Council was Major Joseph Patron.

 27 Jun 1969 – The Algeciras ferry, Punta Europa, was withdrawn by the Generalissimo's Junta. Two days earlier the passes issued by Gibraltar to Spanish workers had been cancelled and any passengers wishing to land thereafter was required to have a passport. The workers on board returned to Algeciras without putting a foot ashore and the Spanish authority’s response was to suppress the ferry service.

 27 Jun 2005 – A full scale bomb scare was caused by two Arab couples who parked their gold BMW outside the Jewish school in Bomb House lane whilst they went shopping. The RAF bomb disposal unit carried out 4x controlled explosions on the suspicious vehicle which had dual Arab and Moroccan licence plates. The vehicle sustained significant damage as the bomb disposal experts rendered it safe. The driver of the vehicle spoke briefly to reporters and expressed regret for having innocently generated so much alarm.

 27 Jun 2005 – The Chamber of Commerce issued a strong criticism of the government budget statement. “It’s a total shock to the business community that, in spite of the strong growth of the economy, the government has decided, in effect, to increase commercial rates by reducing from 20% to 10% the discount for early payment” said Peter Isola, Chamber President. The Chamber also criticised the cost of the Civil Service, mentioned that unauthorised sick leave amongst civil servants  costs more than £3M annually, and expressed dismay that in spite of an economy “running successfully on all cylinders” the actual surplus is a mere £2.9M. They pointed out that were the government to collect outstanding rents, rates and tax, which presently stands at £50M, their (our) finances would be extremely healthy. 

 27 Jun 2005 – A serious grass fire raged across the Sierra Carbonera (Queen of Spain’s Chair) throughout this night and the following day. Flames stretched from the summit all the way down the mountainside to near the road at Sta. Margarita. At one stage Sta. Margarita had to be evacuated. During the 28^th, a seaplane dumped water on the fire, replenishing itself from the bay alongside La Linea pier. It finally succeeded at around 2140 at night, just before it went dark.

 28 Jun 1826 – A letter from the Lloyd’s agent with details of the above: Republicana entered Gibraltar on the 27^th having been chased by a Spanish ship of war. A few days earlier, the brig Madona del Carmen arrived, having been captured by the privateer. The Madona was bound from Cadiz for Gibraltar with salt and other goods, and some of the consignees of the brig having made a declaration on oath that the salt was British, and had been thrown overboard by the captors, Capt. Copeland of the Mastiff, survey vessel, ordered the Nimble, cutter, to take possession of the privateer and her prizes at their anchorage, which was immediately done. The privateer was dismantled and her papers sealed up; and a soon as the quarantine expires, an investigation is to take place, when some most unjustifiable acts are expected to be brought to light. This is the same vessel that has plundered several other vessels behind the Rock and in the Straits, but in order to protect the trade, should she have an accomplice, the Mastiff has been appointed to convey the Lady Campbell to Cadiz. (Globe)

 28 Jun 1831 - The volcanic island of Ferdinandia (Graham Island) appeared from the sea between Sicily and N. Africa. By Aug the 4^th it had grown to 200 feet high and 3 miles in circumference and by October it had been washed away by the sea.

 28 Jun 1874 - A very large fire took hold on the upper Rock originating above Viney Cottage. The whole garrison turned to, to subdue it; over a mile in length being burnt. The monkeys issued dismal howls.

 28 Jun 1880 - Foundation stone for Colonial Hospital (formerly Civil Hospital) was laid by HE Lord Napier of Magdala. Reconstruction & re-provisioning started.

 28 Jun 1893 - Funeral of General Sir Lothian Nicholson, who had died the previous day, he was buried with full military honours.

 28 Jun 1914 – The Austro-Hungarian Heir Apparent, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Countess Sophie Chotek, were assassinated by Bosnian nationalist Garilo Princip, as they drove in an open carriage through Sarajevo. As accusations and denials flew, events deteriorated and existing world alliances were activated. This was the event that was to trigger the First World War the following August.

28 Jun 1915 – At 0425am HMS Topaze arrived from Portsmouth. She passed through the North entrance into Gibraltar Harbour and made fast alongside No2 Coaling Shed, North Mole at 0450. At 0815 she commenced coaling having received 346 tons when coaling was completed at 1230. In the afternoon she landed Engineers, Gunners and Carpenters and a Bosun’s store party to draw stores. She departed the next day for Malta, slipping from North Mole at 0530, clearing Europa Light by 4 cables at 0630. (Ship’s Log) She was to spend much of the war at Brindisi and Taranto before transiting the Suez Canal to patrol from Aden and Perim. In 1919 she returned to Portsmouth, calling at Gibraltar for coal on the 20^th September. This time she arrived at 0715 and was on her way again by 1430, passing Cadiz by 2220. She paid off on the 7^th October 1919. Topaze was the first of 4 Gem Class Light Cruisers and was eventually sold for breaking up in September 1921.

 28 Jun 1919 – The signing of the peace treaty was announced by firing of guns from Signal Station shortly before 9pm. There was great rejoicing throughout the town.

 28 Jun 1933 - Brigadier the Hon DM King took over duties of AA & QMG from Colonel HCM Makgill Crichton.

 28 Jun 1934 – The Hon. H.B. Hone, Attorney General, was appointed to act as Chief Justice during the absence on leave of His Hon. Sir Kenneth Beatty, Kt.

 28 Jun 1937 – (Sp Civ War) Insurgent (Nationalist) anti-aircraft batteries, adjacent to Gibraltar, fired 5 or 6 shots at a British flying boat exercising over Gibraltar today. The shells fell harmlessly 100 yards behind the boat.  (Healdsburg Tribune No 207)

 28 Jun 1940 – French Admiral Muselier arrived at Gibraltar and immediately declared for de Gaulle. He succeeded in rallying a small French naval auxiliary the President Honduce and four merchant vessels in the harbour to the Free French cause.

28 Jun 1942 – Three Italian bombers executed a moonlight raid on the Rock in the early hours. They met with a tremendous barrage. A few bombs were dropped outside the town but no casualties or damage was reported; the raiders were driven off.

  28 Jun 2004 – Start of a 3 day visit by HRH Princess Anne to celebrate Gibraltar’s tercentenary. As expected there were howls of protest from Spain…but do we care?

 28 Jun 2006 – Algeciras Port put a new US-sponsored nuclear detector into service today. The sensor is part of the US Dept of Energy’s Megaports Initiative and aims to prevent the illicit transport of radioactive material.

 29 Jun 1800 – Captain Anson, escort to a Gibraltar convoy, captured the Spanish ship Gibraltar, off Gibraltar.

 29 Jun 1840 - The Austrian ship Giovani was driven ashore and wrecked on Eastern Beach. She had been on a voyage from Trieste to London.

 29 Jun 1867 – The ‘Nautical Intelligence’ section of the Chronicle reported that the American steamer, Quaker City, (ex New York 19^th Jun) took refuge in the port this morning from strong winds. On board are a party of excursionists heading for the Mediterranean (included Mark Twain). They will proceed on Tuesday next.

 29 Jun 1867 – Chronicle: The same section reported the stranding of the British brigantine Ocean Belle, of Turks Island, H Hibrick, Master, (from Baltimore laden with staves for Malaga) at about 3.00am some 4 miles SW of Cape Spartel. She was floated off by the steam tug Lion Belge, 36 hours later, after discharging some of her cargo.

 29 Jun 1872 – The official opening of the Sailor's Home in Engineer Lane was completed by the Governor Sir William Fenwick Williams.

 29 Jun 1872 - Italian Consul presented a bronze wreath to HE Gen. Sir Lothian Nicholson, from Italian government, in memory of the Utopia disaster. It may be seen in the dockyard today at the base of the ramp.

 29 Jun 1935 - Rain stopped play of cricket matches; quite an unusual occurrence here.

 29 Jun 1942 – An Italian air raid destroyed one Hudson and a BOAC Whitley as well as damaging several crates (of packed Spitfires/Hurricanes) on the dispersal area. As Gibraltar had no fighter cover, 18 of the assembled Spitfires were formed into a fighter squadron.

 29 Jun 1972 – A six ton piece of The Rock is awaiting shipment to the USA aboard MV Palacio, this week. Prudential Assurance used the north face of the Rock as their logo and an assurance of their stability. Pieces of the Rock form foundation stones and adorn their many offices in the USA. The support for this piece now being shipped bears the legend “A bit of the Rock; with compliments of the Government of Gibraltar”.

 29 Jun 1972 – Six apes were shipped out to Belle Vue Zoological Gardens in Manchester. The departing apes go off two-by-two in the RFA Bacchus. They are Paris (5) & Caroline (12); Mike & Marie Celeste (both 3); and Ian (3) and Helen (5); all from the Middle Hill Pack. That leaves Middle Hill with 17 animals and the Queen’s Gate pack with 12.

 29 Jun 1993 - The European Court of Justice pronounced its decision to deny Gibraltar Government access to court, to fight our airport's exclusion from EC air liberalisation measures. Score: Palacio de Santa Cruz (1) - Foreign & Colonial Office (0).

29 Jun 2007 - With a unanimous vote in the Gibraltar Parliament, MPs approved new legislation that removes the phrases 'colony' and 'UK possession' from Gibraltar's laws.

 30 Jun 1826 – The Ariadne, Capt. Fitzclarence, arrived in port 11 days from Spithead, carrying the British coinage destined for Gibraltar. She then carried on to Malta.

 30 Jun 1826 – The Columbian privateer Republicana, and her two prizes, has been released. (Globe) (no further info on this surprising event yet)

 30 Jun 1855 - British Barque Ashley partially consumed by fire.  

 30 Jun 1861 - A ‘most brilliant comet’ was observed this evening.

 30 Jun 1909 – Today Gibraltar’s most famous benefactor, John Mackintosh, married Victoria Canepa. The couple went on to have just one daughter Adelaide.

 30 Jun 1913 - Departure of detachment of Boy Scouts to take part in the great Boy Scout Rally in Birmingham.

 30 Jun 1919 – A salute of 101 guns was fired by the Royal Artillery from different batteries, extending from one end of the Rock to the other, to celebrate the signing of the Peace Treaty ending WW1.

 30 Jun 1940 – Two French aircraft arrived from Casablanca and the crews rallied to de Gaulle, but a third aircraft was shot down by Spanish AA fire. The Gibraltar Chronicle reports; "Shortly after 5.00pm on Sunday 30th June, a French plane which had been manoeuvring above the neutral ground had been shot down by machine-gun fire from the Spanish frontier and had crashed into the sea near Western beach." The report stated that the two occupants had been killed; yet the Coroner's report of 5^th July referred to four dead. “It was understood,” says the report “that the plane may have inadvertently infringed Spanish territory.” (The aircraft was a French Glenn Martin 167, No. 4, from Casablanca to Gibraltar, the four aircrew who were killed were; Captain Vendeuvre, Lt. Weill, S/Lt. Berger and Lt. Du Plessis.)

 30 Jun 1943 – Following an explosion in the Naval Oil Stores enclosure at Coaling Island, Spanish dockyard-employee Jose Martin Munoz was arrested. He had been paid 40,000 pts, around £1000, to carry out the sabotage which caused considerable damage. He was detected by counter-espionage double agent NAG who also found out that Munoz had a bomb hidden in a Gibraltar café for the purpose of blowing up one of HM ships in the dockyard. Munoz was tried on the 11^th Oct and hung at Moorish Castle on 11^th January.  

 30 Jun 1987 - Foreign Secretary Geoffrey Howe said "Nothing will undermine the legitimate rights of Gibraltar as part of the EEC".  On the 10th December same year he backed a European Council decision to exclude us from the Air Liberalisation package until we agreed to joint use of the airport with Spain. ha…. What a wet.

  30 Jun 2001 - General Guegan, Chairman of the Free French Air Force Association, was in Gibraltar to honour the memory of those who gave their lives in Gibraltar, for the freedom of France and Europe. This is verbatim from his speech at North Front Cemetery; “After the signature of the armistice in 1940, several airmen based in N. Africa, refusing to accept the occupation of France, decided to join the British Forces, who alone were protecting the free nations against Nazism. Gibraltar was the 1st step on their fighting way to freedom, to glory and to sacrifice. Colonel Lafont and Henri Boisot, who are with us today, were among the first to land in Gibraltar. On June 30^th three bombers left Morocco to reach Gibraltar. Two of them landed safely, the third was shot down by Spanish guns. Three members of that crew are buried in this cemetery; Captain Leforestier de Vendeuvre, Lt Berger and S/Lt Weill. The body of the fourth crew member, Lt Du Plessis was repatriated by his family. Unfortunately, we were unable to trace relatives of Lt Berger & S/Lt Weill but I would like to tell Mr Guy de Vendeuvre, his Son and Mrs de Vendeuvre his daughter in law, Alexander his grandson and Miss Elianne de Vendeuvre his daughter that we share their emotion and pride in being present to render homage to Captain de Vendeuvre whom they did not have the opportunity of knowing well but whom they have always respected and have been proud of. He was an outstanding man and a brilliant officer. I must convey my thanks to Mr Wiley and to the British Authorities who, as they did in 1940 for the funeral of Capt de Vendeuvre’s crew, kindly helped us in organising this ceremony.  The Lorraine Crosses we are laying on the graves is the homage of the Free French Air Force members to their comrades who gave their lives for the freedom of France. The four of them were the first ones to be named “Compagnon de la Liberation” by General de Gaulle.”

 30 Jun 2003 – Panorama carried this headline quote from UK PM Tony Blair: “I had no idea 30,000 people could give so much trouble”. The inside pages carried the story that Blair had been led to believe that we would be a walkover when it came to a deal with Spain. He is further quoted as saying; “I had no idea the Gibraltarians could be so troublesome.”     Tee… hee.

 

                                                               ~~~~

 Jun 1717 - The Dutch Government protested to the British Government that the Governor of Gibraltar had admitted Algerine privateers to the Bay. The Governor explained they were admitted under stress of weather, no stores or provisions being supplied. He had also compelled them to leave when the wind permitted. HE provided a certificate from the Dutch Consul to confirm what had taken place.

 Jun 1825 – A great number of rich prizes have been taken on the Spanish coast by Columbian privateers.

 Jun 1825 – Letters from Gibraltar announce that Columbian privateers cruise almost all around the coasts of Spain and plunder and annihilate the remains of her trade. They even threaten her ships of war and oblige them to take refuge beneath the guns of shore batteries or to run aground to avoid either fighting or capture. The independent privateers are frequently seen from the Rock; they appear to meet with good success; several valuable prizes have been taken. Spanish vessels can scarcely leave Gibraltar without immediately being in the hands of the Columbian or other privateers. (Times)

 Jun 1896 – The body of Joseph Fabre was found half buried in the sand at Catalan Bay with his throat cut; it was declared a suicide.

Jun 1898 – Spain was short of the cash it needed to prosecute its war with America and offered Ceuta for sale to Britain which was keen to buy and prepared to pay £10M. A team of Royal Engineers survey staff had been warned to proceed to Ceuta in readiness for survey work, when the whole deal was put on hold after pressure from the other great powers in Europe. Britain saw that a European war might be caused if she persisted, so the whole deal fell through. 

  Jun 1905 - Departure of General Sir George White, end of tour as Governor.

 Jun 1911 – The distribution of Coronation Medals and mugs to some 3,400 children was undertaken by HE Governor and Lady Hunter.

 Jun 1915 - A patriotic meeting, held at the Theatre Royal, resulted in the formation of the Gibraltar Volunteer Corps.

 Jun 1923 - Mrs Govevich was burnt to death in her Castle Street house.

 Jun 1969 – Spain closed the frontier and withdrew the Algeciras ferry.

 Jun 1999 - The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons suggested that we should consider pulling down the fence separating us from Spain. "…its dismantlement could be a powerful indication of the British and Gibraltarian attitude towards borders in the EU..." they said.  They had, of course, been deliberately misled by Blair and Straw…. They must think that we are stupid… eh?