Nov

                                          Gibraltarmonthly

              November: 

1 Nov 1755 – A severe earth tremor was felt in Gibraltar. It was later discovered that 2/3 of Lisbon had been reduced to rubble and that perhaps as many as 60,000 people had died. It has been calculated to have been of 8.9 magnitude and tremors were felt 1220 miles away from its submarine source off Lisbon. In Gibraltar: “It began with a trembling of half a minute, then a violent shock and went off as it began. The sea rose every 15 minutes, 6 feet 8 inches and fell so low that boats and all the small craft near the shore, together with many small fish, were left aground. The sand in the back of the rock sunk in its bed several feet and large pieces of rock fell into the sea. On the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th of the same month, small shocks were felt.”  (James, History of the Strait.)

 1 Nov 1779 – (Gt Siege) Bread had to be delivered by bakers through a wicket gate protected by guards; piteous sights were seen of men women and children struggling to obtain a morsel of bread at an incredible price. The available stock of flour was sufficient for just two months.

 1 Nov 1851 – The marriage took place in Gibraltar between Sir George Henry Scott-Douglas, Baronet. (Created 4^th Baron Douglas of Maxwell in 1885) of Springwood Park and Longnewton, late Captain 34^th Regiment and Maria Juana-Petronda, eldest daughter of Francisco Sanchez di Pina Esq, of Gibraltar. They went on to have six children.

 1 Nov 1853 – HMS Leopard arrived from England with troops on board, which were landed the next day. Cholera had recently broken out in England and landing the troops broke the quarantine regulations agreed by both the English and Spanish Boards of Health. It was the Governor, Sir Robert Gardiner, who broached the regulation despite having made a compact with the Spaniards, just a few days earlier, to complete the 8 days observation. At the same time the Governor obliged the Board of Health to issue a proclamation removing quarantine from all ships coming from England with a clean bill of health. The Spaniards still maintained quarantine of 8 days and to maintain the integrity of their system, the Governor of Algeciras deemed it necessary to exclude Gibraltar from intercourse with Spain by means of a sanitary cordon, established next day, 2^nd November. On the same day the British Lines were closed, by order of the Governor, so that all communication by land was severed. This restriction remained for 3 months until the 7^th February 1854, when the garrison being entirely without forage and 16,000 inhabitants in dire circumstances, Gardiner re-introduced quarantine of 8 days observation. The restrictions were immediately removed and the border opened. The Governor “cares not a rush about quarantine or its influence over cholera” it was said; his predominant fixed idea was the “Quarantine is the handmaiden of smuggling”.  

 1 Nov 1877 - The new Fish, Poultry and Charcoal Market was opened.

 1 Nov 1891 - Over six inches of rain fell in 18 hours.

1 Nov 1906 - The Second Cruiser Squadron proceeded to Malaga on the occasion of the visit of their Majesties King and Queen of Spain.

 1 Nov 1915 - Torpedo Boat 96 of the local flotilla sank early this morning, after a collision with the troopship Tringa (RFA). Built in 1894 TB 96 was of the 140 ft class, 130 tons, and capable of 23 knots. She was armed with 3 x 3pdrs and 3 x 14” torpedo tubes and commanded by Chief Gunner John Summer. On routine patrol 5 miles east of the rock, she collided with Tringa at 0115 am and 2 x officers and 9 hands from her crew of 25 were lost. Tringa was torpedoed and sunk by U-33, just 3 weeks later.  A memorial was erected on the wall of the north gate Police post.

 1 Nov 1926 – A Spaniard was committed to prison for 5 days for contempt of court; an unusual occurrence.

 1 Nov 1934 - First general meeting of the Calpe Hunt to be presided over by a Lady Master (Lady Harrington) at Government House, when a former master the Marquis of Marzales, was elected as joint master. This was the culmination of a protracted leadership dispute.

 1 Nov 1936 – (Sp Civ War) The Nationalists issued a decree prohibiting the export of silver from La Linea to Gibraltar.

 1 Nov 1942 – Supermarine Spitfire EP971, Mk Vb (T), built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory, was delivered to Gibraltar after being shipped from Liverpool on 16-10-1942.The aircraft was destined for use by the 31^st FG, 12^th AF and USAAF in North Africa. She was flown from Gibraltar to Tafaraoui, Algeria and crashed in a landing accident a year later.

 1 Nov 1971 – The film version of the well-known TV programme ‘Dad’s Army’ opened at the Queens Cinema. The TV programme is still popular today, 30 years later.

 1 Nov 1994 – The RAF today handed over control of Air Traffic Control (ATC) to the civilian contractor Serco-IAL. Serco controllers have been training for six months and the senior ATC Control Officer Squadron Leader J D Benoist handed over his duties to SATCO Mr T Murphy with a ceremonial handing over of keys this afternoon.

1 Nov 2005 – 26 youths were arrested after going on the rampage during last night, Halloween. Gangs of masked youths spent the early hours throwing missiles, mostly eggs and potatoes, at innocent bystanders, breaking the windscreens of at least two moving cars. Two other cars were overturned, one in Varyll Begg estate and one in Corral Road.

 2 Nov 1805 - Arrival of French frigate Swiftsure and Spanish frigate San Idelfonso, captured by Lord Nelson's fleet.

 2 Nov 1860 - Conference of St Vincent de Paul Society established.

 2 Nov 1866 - Sir Arthur Hardinge was sworn in as Governor.

 2 Nov 1883 – There was a disturbance in Main Street following the publication of a letter in El Pais, allegedly written by a Snr Luque, a Spanish business man residing in Gibraltar on licence. The angry crowd broke his shop windows and finding he was not their, then went to his residence in Cornwall’s Parade and did the same again before being dispersed by police. The letter claimed that a vessel loaded with rifles had left Gibraltar bound for the Rif Country and that the smugglers were Jews, Spaniards and natives of Gibraltar. It also included the following statement: ‘The English do not consider the natives to be Englishmen and call them Rock Scorpions. Among the natives are some excellent friends of Spain, but a portion of them, the least intelligent, greatly ridicule us.’  The Gibraltar Chronicle observed: ‘Whilst we cannot commend the action of our townsfolk in taking the law into their own hands, it is not to be wondered at, that the feeling of our loyal population should have been outraged by the offensive misrepresentation contained in the above paragraphs.’

 2 Nov 1903 – The first message by wireless telegraphy to be transmitted from England to Gibraltar was received by the Governor, via Signor Gugliemo Marconi.

 2 Nov 1910 – Fifty one Jesuits, the last to be expelled from Portugal by the revolutionaries, arrived in Gibraltar. The treatment they had received from the Government and populace was indescribably cruel. One of them Father Joachim Machado, aged seventy, well known throughout Portugal as 'The Apostle’ died after his arrival on the Rock. His death was accelerated by the outrages inflicted on him by the mobs in Portugal and the privations he suffered whilst incarcerated in the artillery barracks.  

 2 Nov 1931 – A plot of land belonging to the Presbyterians, at North Front Cemetery, was transferred to the Catholics.

 2 Nov 1936 – Mr E. Guetta was recognised as the Honorary Consul for Uruguay.

 2 Nov 1971 – The Chronicle reports: The body of a Petty Officer Cook, Derek Musket of HMS Cavalier, was found in No 2 Dock yesterday morning. The body was later removed to RNH and a Board of Inquiry has been convened.

 2 Nov 1971 – A letter to the Chronicle complained that an amendment to the Cemetery Ordinance would require the Board of Visitors to meet every six months instead of every three. He suggested that they should meet even less, perhaps once a year, but visit the cemetery more. Describing the cemetery as a shambles and a jungle, H.A.L. said he “certainly would not like to be found dead in it”.

 2 Nov 2002 – Visit to Gibraltar by the 3-masted topsail schooner Activ. Traditionally built of oak in 1951, she is 42 metres overall length and carries 536 sq metres of sail. Veteran of multiple Atlantic crossings, her owners Baltic Schooner Co, have operated her in the Mediterranean since 1999.

 3 Nov 1805 - HMS Victory left for England, carrying the body of Lord Nelson.

 3 Nov 1805 - Arrival of Spanish frigate Bahama, 74 guns, captured by HMS Donegal and arrival of HMS Melpomene with Spanish prisoners.

 3 Nov 1842 – Today saw the departure of ex-governor, Lt. Gen. Sir Alexander Woodford, who was presented with a piece of plate and an address.

3 Nov 1896 – A nursing nun died this evening at the Military Hospital. Full military funeral honours were accorded to Sister Meheux, who died from pneumonia contracted from a patient in her care.  The deceased lady was loved by all ranks and many a soldier in Gibraltar and elsewhere remembers with gratitude her untiring devotion to them during sickness. The funeral cortege included a firing party of fifty soldiers from the 1^st South Wales Borderers and all the regimental bands in the garrison. The coffin, covered with a Union Flag, was on a gun carriage drawn by four mules, whilst military doctors acted as pall bearers. All the shops were closed. Father Collins, RC Chaplain to the forces, performed the funeral rites which concluded with three volleys fired over the grave at North Front Cemetery.

 3 Nov 1925 - Spanish serving girl was found unconscious and seriously injured in Line Wall. She died from her injuries and an open verdict was returned.

 3 Nov 1931 – Mr D.L. Bethel was appointed Colonial Treasury.

 3 Nov 1933 – Don Juan March, Spanish monarchist and millionaire, who had escaped from Alcala de Henares prison, some 20 miles from Madrid, arrived at Gibraltar.  Sr. March had been held for 18 months awaiting trial on charges relating to the tobacco monopoly during the dictatorship. When the escape became known, the frontier was closed and the guard doubled but Sr. March, a close friend of Ex-King Alfonso, had already reached Gibraltar by motor car (half an hour beforehand) accompanied by a prison officer who is said to have helped him escape and his medical counsellor Dr Ruiz. When he left for Marseilles on the 7^th, Sr. March said he would not return to Spain until it became a habitable country. Sr. March subsequently became very useful to Winston Churchill, by passing millions of pounds in bribes - via Swiss accounts - to the Spanish generals surrounding France during WW2; more than repaying any debt to the Rock

 3 Nov 1934 – A workman suffered serious injuries when he fell into the hold of a ship.

 3 Nov 1942 - HMS Bideford, whilst escorting troop carriers taking part in Operation Torch, landed the 31 survivors of the MV Abosso, (Elder Dempster Line) which had been torpedoed twice by U575 some 589 miles off the Azores on 29th October.  Lifeboat No5 was the only lifeboat with survivors that didn't capsize; some 168 crew and 193 passengers died.

 3 Nov 1971 – The Chief Minister received the following telegram from the F&CO Sec of State:“My thanks to you and your colleagues for your warm message of congratulations on last week’s decision in Westminster”. (30^th Oct European Community Act) “This was a major step towards the creation of a more united Europe in which both Britain and Gibraltar have an important part to play. I am glad we have been able to look after your interests. We shall continue to do so. I shall certainly convey your feelings to the Prime Minister”.

 3 Nov 2003 – The P&O cruise liner Aurora docked at Gibraltar with 1800 passengers, 500 of whom had suffered from the contagious Novovirus. By this date only 11 passenger were still affected. The ship was on a Mediterranean cruise but when refused entry to Greece made for Gibraltar. On arrival here, passengers were allowed on shore but P&O retained their passports. The Spanish authorities overreacted and closed the border until after the ship left Gibraltar. Spanish riot police were seen at the border and Spain had put down barriers to prevent vehicles from travelling into Gibraltar. Chief Mini Peter Caruana said that “Spain is interfering with the freedom of movement between two European countries. If Spain were not claiming sovereignty, they would not have closed the frontier. Had it happened in France or Portugal, Spain would not have closed their frontier”. For once he was right.

 4 Nov 1755 – An earthquake was felt over the entire country of Spain. (Lisbon earthquake aftershock)

 4 Nov 1872 – A plan has been presented to the Spanish Minister of Formento for a tunnel under the Strait of Gibraltar, which might be connected with the shortest route to India. The length to be traversed will be 13,800 metres whilst that of the contemplated Dover Calais tunnel is stated as 32,000 metres.

 4 Nov 1887 - Chev J Benso, Consul-General for Portugal, died.

 4 Nov 1889 – HMS Cormorant, commissioned in Chatham in July 1878, arrived from the Pacific coast of Canada and was commissioned as tender to HMS Goshawk, the duty guard ship. Cormorant was composite-built on iron frames and keel but with her hull planked in teak.  At 170 feet long she displaced 1,130 tons; she was a barque-rigged three master with a single screw driven by a compound steam reciprocating engine rated at 1,100 HP and could make 12 knots when pushed.  She was to survive for another 60 years.   

 4 Nov 1913 - HRH Prince Albert (later to become George VIth) serving on board HMS Collingwood landed in Gibraltar and took lunch with H.E. and Lady Miles, afterwards visiting the upper rock. He had been commissioned as a Midshipman just two months beforehand. He would continue to serve in Collingwood and during the battle of Jutland his post was in A Turret, in what was the largest battle of WW1. He remains the only British sovereign to have seen action in battle, since William IVth.

 4 Nov 1923 – Military Bands resumed concerts in the Alameda today, after a prolonged absence.

 5 Nov 1605 – Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the British Houses of Parliament.

 5 Nov 1844 - A boat with 9 armed and masked men boarded the St Michelle.

 5 Nov 1920 - A bomb exploded in a house in Main Street. No important damage was caused or serious injury sustained.

 5 Nov 1934 – A man was found dead inside a lighter at Waterport Wharf and two men were seriously injured by a beam falling on them whilst they worked in the hold of a ship.

 5 Nov 1936 – Correspondence was published today about Queen Mary’s gift of a working model of a 56pdr gun to the Gibraltar Museum.

 5 Nov 1955 – Sir Joshua Hassan became the first mayor of Gibraltar.

 5 Nov 1942 - Eisenhower arrived on board a B-17, piloted by Paul Tibbets, to take charge of Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa. He later said "Britain's Gibraltar made possible the invasion of NW Africa." Ike's underground HQ was built within the Rock by Chief Civil Engineer Walter Wight.  Wight's task was to construct a complete Naval HQ in heart of The Rock, with generating station, war room, living quarters and wireless station. Only later was he told it was for Ike and Torch. Walter Wight died in May 2000.

 5 Nov 1968 - Spain asked Russia to return seven tons of Inca gold, stored for safekeeping during the Spanish Civil War. Russia recalled that 20K of Franco's Blue Brigade had helped the Germans attack Russia.... and so refused.

 6 Nov 1789 – Their Royal Highness' Princes Albert Victor and George arrived in HMS Baccante.

 6 Nov 1842 – The installation of the first C of E Bishop of Gibraltar took place at the Cathedral of The Holy Trinity.

 6 Nov 1924 - City Council receives permission to operate a telephone service, displacing the privately owned Gibraltar Tele­phone Service (company) which then closed 30th Sep 1926.

 6 Nov 1935 - The marriage of HRH the Duke of Gloucester & Lady Alicia Montagu-Douglas-Scott took place at Buckingham Palace. Ships fired a salute at noon and were illuminated at night to honour the event. Congratulatory telegram was sent by H.E. and graciously acknowledged.

 6 Nov 1935 – Mr W.S. Gulloch nominated and Messrs J. Discombe and E.H. Cottrell were appointed as City Councillors.

 6 Nov 1940 – Chiefs of Staff planners produced Operation Blackthorn, for possible landing of four British infantry divisions and two tank brigades to protect southern Spain, Gibraltar and the Strait, in the event of a German invasion.

6 Nov 1942 - At Gibraltar, Eisenhower held a staff conference with various commanders, including Mark Clark, Governor Mason-MacFarlane, Air Marshall Welsh and Air Vice Marshall Sanders, to discuss one of the greatest unknowns of Operation Torch: Spanish reaction. Ike mulled over the situation and ordered all concerned - do not pick a fight with the Spanish in any way.  

 6 Nov 1942 – In preparation for Torch, an enormous collection of aircraft had been gathered at North Front. There were 450 fighters, 60 Hudsons, 36 Fleet Air Arm aircraft, 15 photographic reconnaissance aircraft, 10 amphibian Catalinas (US Navy VP-63 Squadron), 8 Leigh light Wellingtons, 20 large communication aircraft and 2 meteorological   Hudsons.  No.233 Squadron mounted 229 sorties during November making 8 attacks on U-boats but losing 6 aircraft. No.608 Squadron made 14 submarine attacks during the month. The total air effort from Gibraltar amounted to 3,700 flying hours. The resulting 95 sightings and 64 attacks caused the destruction of 4 U-boats and damage to 19 others. This played a decisive part in frustrating the enemy’s attempts to cripple the fleet that landed the Allied force in N. Africa and its follow up supply convoys.

7 Nov 1779 - (Gt Siege) Fowls at $2 each; a pig's head 19/-.

 7 Nov 1853 - Casino Calpe first opened in Market St. (Irish Town) on the first floor opposite CPS. This is the oldest Gibraltarian club on the Rock. (RGYC is 1829 but was for military only until WW2) Casino Calpe moved 4 times in its history to: Library St /then above Gibraltar Arms / then 28 John Mac Sq. and lastly to 51 Line Wall Rd the old St Georges School, as of 1st Sep 1999.

 7 Nov 1879 – The inauguration of the new fountain erected by the Sanitary Commissioners at Commercial Square, (now John Mac Sq) by HE Lord Napier of Magdala. The fountain had been built in honour of HRH the Duke of Connaught’s residence in today’s City Hall during 1875/6.

 7 Nov 1900 – Today saw the Promulgation of the Aliens Order Extension Order in Council, 1885.

 7 Nov 1927 – The Christian Brothers opened their Technical School.

 7 Nov 1936 – Ordinance No. 3/1936, Establishment of Special Constables, was enacted today.

 7 Nov 1938 – (Sp Civ War) The Nationalist cruisers Canarias and Almirante de Cervera have arrived at Ceuta. Two destroyers, two armed trawlers and a sloop have arrived at Algeciras and a minelayer is patrolling between Algeciras and the Rock as a result of a rumour that the Government destroyer Jose Luis Diez was leaving for Cartagena. The Jose Luis Diez escaped to Gibraltar under cover of darkness on August 27^th after having been attacked in the Strait by Canarias and four destroyers. 

  7 Nov 1940 – (WW2) HMS Barham left Gibraltar carrying troop reinforcements for Malta, where she arrived on the 10th.

 7 Nov 1940 – Damaged submarine HMS Utmost managed to reach Gibraltar after having been rammed the previous day by British destroyer HMS Encounter in an episode of mis-      identification. Utmost remained at Gibraltar undergoing repairs until 23^rd of November.

 7 Nov 1942 – More than 650 aircraft of all types were lined up both sides of the runway at North Front in preparation for Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa. In his memoirs Churchill called it “Gibraltar’s greatest contribution to the war.”

 7 Nov 1974 - After 18 months considering just 7 pages, GoG published document 166/74 containing Spain's Brussels Proposals. see also 28-2-73, 27-11-84 and 10-12-97.

 7 Nov 1998 – The Chief Mini unveiled a memorial to Operation Torch, fixed to the Line Wall by American Steps.

 7 Nov 2002 – A Referendum was taken to determine Gibraltar’s opinion about whether or not to accept joint sovereignty with Spain. Some 18,176 of the 20,675 eligible to vote turned out, statistically; 87.92%.  The predictable result was 17,900 refuted joint sovereignty, with 187 for it; an emphatic 98.97% voted NO. Only 89 votes were spoilt of which 72 were blank ballot papers.  This pre-empted any plans for a referendum to be held only after the negotiations between Britain and Spain had concluded. Jack Straw described the Gibraltar referendum as 'eccentric' and Britain's Foreign & Colonial Office announced it would not recognise the results.... as if they had any choice. 

 8 Nov 1902 - Opening of Waterport Gate North side for wheeled traffic.

 8 Nov 1918 – German U-boat U-34 was sunk off Gibraltar by the British Q ship, Privet Q19.

 8 Nov 1942 – At 0618, a telephone call from ACHQ, where Gen. Eisenhower and staff operated from the Dockyard Tunnel, ordered the barriers on the road to Spain to be closed until further notice; no one was allowed to cross into Gibraltar over the runway. This was the start for us of Operation Torch, though the first landings in N. Africa had commenced at 1.AM

 8-15 Nov 1942 – (WW2) Operation Torch; the invasion of North Africa took place. General Eisenhower spent 8 days planning, in his underground Rock HQ. Later Ike said: "without British Gibraltar WW2 could not have been won." Torch was recognised by a plaque installed by the Gibraltar-American council, 56 years after the event. 

 8 Nov 1942 - HMS Walney (1930, former US CG sloop) embarked 200 men of  the American 2nd Battalion, 6th Armoured Infantry Regt. at Gibraltar and in company with HMS Hartland rammed the outer boom at Oran to carry out a landing in the harbour (Operation Reservist). Whilst under heavy fire from shore batteries she managed to ram the inner boom but was repeatedly hit by shells from French minesweeper La Surprise, caught fire and capsized. Only 14 of her crew survived, 81 men and the troops they carried were all lost.

 8 Nov 1942 – During the North African landings on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, four unsuspecting French ships entered the troop landing area escorted by the cargo vessel SS Lorrain. Realising a landing was in progress, Lorrain alerted a shore station by Aldis lamp; “Be warned. Alert on shore for 5 a.m.” Supposing the message was meant for the landing party (ie. she was a friendly vessel) she was allowed to pass unmolested. That is until the Mehdia Plage signal station replied “Quel sont les bateaux?” Lorrain answered and the element of surprise was lost.  The S.S. Lorrain was deliberately run aground on the foreshore at Bouznika (near Casablanca) to prevent capture by the allies but not before her masts were shot away by the USS Tillman. On 19^th November she was sold by auction but later broke in two and became a total loss.

 8 Nov 1950 – The inhabitants of Gibraltar were today granted the privilege of electing their own Legislative Council. Nine candidates were nominated for the five seats. For the first time ever, in elections of any sort, women were able to vote - a right granted to them three years earlier - and the system of voting used was that of proportional representation.

 8 Nov 1977 – GSLP was formed.

 8 Nov 2002 – A refuelling visit by HMCS St John’s, a Halifax class frigate completed by St John Shipbuilders Ltd, New Brunswick in 1995, commissioned into Royal Canadian Navy in 1996.        

 9 Nov 1704 - During the 12^th Siege of Gibraltar, Governor Major General Henry Nugent was mortally wounded and died shortly thereafter. His death was caused by wounds sustained at San Pablo Battery (North Bastion). He was described as ‘an Irish Catholic, not well regarded by the English’ but had been a loyal supporter of Prince George, distinguishing himself at the Siege of Barcelona. Archduke Charles made him Count of Val de Soto. He had been appointed Governor on the 6^thAugust (modern calendar) by Prince George in the name of the Archduke. 

 9 Nov 1858 - Heavy rainfall: over 7 inches fell.

 9 Nov 1862 - Private George Shaw, 7th Fusiliers, was executed at Grand Casemates Square. This is believed to have been the last public hanging in Gibraltar. 

 9 Nov 1918 – (WW1) - HMS Britannia, a King Edward VII class battleship built in 1904 was torpedoed off Cape Trafalgar by the German U-boat UB-50, commanded by Kapitan-Lieutenant Heinrich Kukat, whilst on her approach to Gibraltar accompanied by two destroyers. UB-50 fire three torpedoes, two of which missed but the third struck home amidships causing the cordite to explode. It took her three hours to sink and she was able to fire at the submarine until the last. Forty men died in the initial explosion and over 100 men perished in total; 23 of the victims are buried at North front Cemetery. Britannia became the last Royal Navy ship to be sunk in the war.

 9 Nov 1935 - Massed bands of the Fleet played Retreat at the Alameda; H.E. the Governor being present.

 9 Nov 1936 – Ordinance No. 4/1936, re Forgery and No.5 re; Coinage and various Revenue rules were issued today.

 9 Nov 1936 – Mr U. Mansel-Reece was appointed to act as Attorney General.

 9 Nov 1936 – A football match between the Garrison and Civilians, in aid of Earl Haig’s Fund, was drawn.

10 Nov 1855 - Regimental bands were permitted to play in public on Mondays and Thursdays at Commercial Square and on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Alameda and on Tuesdays outside the Convent.

 10 Mon 1865 - Lt-General Sir Richard Airey assumed command of Gibraltar today.

 10 Nov 1886 - The Ellen Catherine stranded off Prince Albert's Battery.

 10 Nov 1905 – Gunner FA North, RGA, whilst fishing from the rocks was knocked into the sea by a falling stone, the depth being 25 feet. At great risk, Gunner Lewis Dodge went in and succeeded in saving him. Case No 34394.

 10 Nov 1933 – The following notice appeared in the Gibraltar Chronicle: “It is notified for general information that, after the nightly closure of the Frontier gates at 10pm, the Revenue Officer on duty at Four Corners will be withdrawn and the revenue examination of vehicles will be conducted at Bayside Barrier, where a red electric light has been installed at a convenient height above the centre of the road. All vehicles entering from Spain or from the direction of Catalan Bay between the hours of 10pm and 6am will, therefore, be required to halt at the Bayside Barrier Revenue Station for examination.” (Bayside Barrier was situated where the Sun Dial roundabout now stands)

 10 Nov 1943 – A Short S-25 Sunderland, Reg. EK572, operated by the RAF, was flying from Pembroke Dock to Gibraltar. As they approached the Spanish coast, the aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a German fighter and crashed into the Bay of Biscay. The 8 man crew and 4 passengers were all killed.

 10 Nov 2001- The Barn, Gibraltar’s new recording studio, opened today. Designed by Eric Almeida, it originally started as a project studio in the home of Brian Torres. The partners rely on Charlie Moore to maximise the potential of their 96 track Mackintosh facility.

 10 Nov 2005 – A Tornado squadron arrived in Gibraltar from UK to take part in Exercise Templar Forge. The aircraft are from 31 Squadron RAF Marham, in Norfolk, will be conducting operational air combat. The squadron, known as the Goldstars, is celebrating its 90^th anniversary this year.

 11 Nov 1829 – A Proclamation was issued by H.E. General Sir George Don ordering the suppression of lotteries.

 11 Nov 1878 – The new part of the Catholic Cemetery was consecrated.

 11 Nov 1879 - Royal Princes Edward & George of Wales, midshipmen in HMS Bacchante, were out hunting and had an amusing day's sport in the Long Valley Country, with the Calpe Hunt.

 11 Nov 1918 – The end of WW1; The Governor received this telegram from The Secretary for the Colonies: ‘Armistice signed at 5 o’clock this morning. Please publish at once.’

 1 Nov 1922 – The fourth anniversary of Armistice Day was a ‘radiant sunny morning’ (Chronicle). The unveiling the Cross of Sacrifice by Governor HE General Sir H Smith-Dorrien took place and £454 was collected from the sale of poppies.

 11 Nov 1925 At 6.52am a pink-coloured perfectly formed cross was seen in the sky over Algeciras.

 11 Nov 1929 - Armistice Day celebrations took place.

 11 Nov 1934 – Armistice Day; usual celebrations taking place.

 11 Nov 1936 – The usual Armistice Day ceremonies took place.

 11 Nov 1936 – A proclamation was published under the Maintenance Orders (Enforcement) Ordinance, applying to the Irish Free State.

 11 Nov 1936 – A football match was held, Britannia versus HMS Despatch (and won 4:2 by Britannia) to raise funds for the Trafalgar Day Fund.

 11 Nov 1940 – The Spanish Minister of the Navy submitted a report to Franco indicating that Germany must capture the Suez Canal before an operation could be launched against Gibraltar. Whether this was a political or military decision may be called into question when considered against the massive bribes that Churchill was giving to Franco’s advisors, facilitated by Juan March.

 11 Nov 1942 - WW2 - HMS Hecla, a Royal Navy depot ship of 11,000 tons, was torpedoed and sunk by a German U boat, whilst taking part in the allied landings in North Africa (Operation Torch). She was attacked north of Casablanca, south of the west part of the Strait of Gibraltar, where a total of 282 men died. Some 556 were rescued, largely by HMS Venomous, who firstly had to deal with the U-boat pack (sinking two) then refuel in Casablanca, before delivering survivors to Gibraltar.

 12 Nov 1780 (Gt. Siege) – A 200ton poleacre, Young Sabine, Capt. McLorg, with a crew of eighteen seamen including several youngsters, with only light armament, came close to being taken after fighting her way past five Xebecs and Spanish gunboats. As the Spanish boats swarmed around, grappling hooks were thrown in attempts to board her. The crew plied their swivel guns and muskets whilst the Spaniard’s shot almost tore her sails to ribbons. McLorg arrived safely in the harbour with a cargo of cheeses, herrings, rum, smoked hams, flour, sugar, butter and potatoes which were all sold at a good price… for those who could afford to pay well for provisions.

 12 Nov 1862 - Captain Brome, governor of the Military Prison discovered the first Windmill Hill Cave (Genista Cave). Great importance was attached to the remains found within it, though Brome was to be castigated for using prisoners as labourers. (Genista is the scientific name of a variety of yellow broom)

 12 Nov 1878 - General U.S. Grant, ex-President of USA, arrived and was taken on a tour of the defences. He was the principal guest at a banquet in St George’s Hall (Windsor Galleries) where he spent much of his time in the company of Field Marshal Lord Napier discussing, amongst other things, the US-Mexican war. A London writer reported: ‘Lord Napier and Gen. Grant became great cronies on the occasion of the ex-Presidents visit. They rode and strolled about, had mess dinners, there was a review as well as a sham battle. The General’s horsemanship was a theme of universal admiration. The soldiers did their best in marching and manoeuvring; Lord Napier said he was very pleased and said he had never seen them do so well in his life, and he supposed they were putting their best foot forward for the Yankee commander. It was rather a trial to undergo the inspection of a man who had commanded over a million men and had taken part, in most instances as commander, in over 50 pitched battles. The General expressed to Lord Napier his high admiration of the troops. He had seen none in Europe so well disciplined. Their firing pleased him: “They had learned” he said, as he watched the manoeuvres “how to fire low and to fire slowly.”

 12 Nov 1940 – (WW2) Hitler produced Top Secret Military Directive No 18: Operation Felix whose object was to capture The Rock. "Directed from observation near Algeciras, Luftwaffe units will conduct an aerial attack, from French soil, against units of the English Fleet lying in the harbour of Gibraltar, and after the attack, they will land on Spanish airports... the attack for the seizure of Gibraltar is to be made by German troops. Support of the Spaniards will be re­quired in closing the Strait after seizure of The Rock. Dive bomber units are to be transferred to Spain for use against The Rock”. To assist intelligence gathering, by reporting Royal Navy movements each town in the Costa was equipped with a German radio network, headquartered at the Villa Conchita in Algeciras.

 12 Nov 1941 – (WW2) U-81 passed through the Strait and sank HMS Ark Royal next day.

 12 Nov 1971 – The Gibraltar Song Festival was held for two days, at the Queen’s Cinema, under the patronage of HE Admiral of the Fleet Sir Varyll Begg. 1^st night prices; Front stalls 50p, Back stalls 75p, Dress Circle £1.  but £1, £2 & £3 for the 2^nd night.

 13 Nov 1876 - Arrival of 25 Askars (infantrymen) of the Sultan of Morocco's Army to attend a military training course attached to the 4th King's Own Regiment. Another Askar arrived 28th May 1877.

 13 Nov 1886 – At 5.50 am the steam-launch Anita, belonging to the Haynes family, blew up at Waterport Wharf, killing the boat’s skipper Eusebio Bonith. The explosion occurred at the exact moment Bonith stepped aboard and was of sufficient magnitude to completely destroy the vessel. Parts of the boat impacted the roof of the public market and more landed in varying locations between there and the quayside. The vessel had been new, quite recently built at the Puerta Tierra Foundry, and was intended for use transporting mail between Gibraltar and Algeciras.  The tragedy left a huge impression across Gibraltar and the Campo; Bonith was married with eight children and the two dead sailors, Portuguese Antonio Silva and the Spanish Jose Martinez left families in difficulty. The Recreo Calpense ran performance at the Theatre Royal as did a similar society in La Linea, and the coal heavers met to contribute to the relief effort. The deaths were ruled accidental resulting from the explosion of the ship's steam boiler. Both the boiler and engine had been considered in good condition before the event.

3 Nov 1931 - Today saw the arrival of the Bishops of Kyrenai and Kition, both deportees from Cyprus, who left for Marseilles a few days later. The founding of the National Radical Union of Cyprus (EREK) led to the 'October Uprising' causing moderate elements of the right wing to adjust their stance and these two men to be deported.

13 Nov 1936 - (Sp Civ War) A Nationalist decree was published referring to over-stamping of Spanish Government notes.

13 Nov 1941 - (WW2) Whilst returning from a Malta convoy HMS Ark Royal with 1580 men on board was torpedoed by U-81 (Guggenburger) and sank some 13 hours later, while under tow. Attempts to tow her had been futile and incredibly only one person died; the rest of the crew were taken off by other vessels. She sank at 36 03'N. 04 45'W in 3,300 feet about 30 miles from Gibraltar, between Marbella and Estepona in the Alboran Sea. After the sinking, the remaining Fairey Swordfish from the Ark and HMS Furious, regrouped as RNAS North Front (812 Sqdn) and received new aircraft equipped with air-to-surface-vessel (ASV) radar, enabling them to sink U-451 on the night of 21 December and damage five others. Shortly afterwards they returned to England on board USS Wasp, where they joined Coastal Command.

 13 Nov 1947 - Gibraltar's first woman councillor, Dorothy Ellicott, was elected.

 13 Nov 2002 – The Los Angeles Class nuclear submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN723) was involved in a minor accident today at 1.30pm GMT. The submarine, which was at periscope depth, “came into brief contact with a merchant vessel, east of the Strait of Gibraltar” according to the 6^th fleet. The submarine surfaced and attempted to contact the merchant vessel by radio. It was unsuccessful and the vessel, apparently undamaged, left the area. Damage to the Oklahoma is believed to be slight, restricted to the periscope and sail. She will be returning to port to inspect the damage. Oklahoma is 360 ft long, 33 ft in the beam and weighs 6900 tons on the surface. Her complement of 13 officers and 121 crew, were unhurt.

 14 Nov 1893 – Today saw the sinking of a torpedo boat belonging to HMS Rodney.

 14 Nov 1911 - King George V & Queen Mary arrived on board the Medina at 2100hrs. The Atlantic fleet formed two lines outside the harbour, through which the Medina passed.   

The royal visitors left at 1045 the next morning without coming onshore. They were on their way to the Delhi Durbar.

 14 Nov 1971 – At 5.30pm today a man glancing down from the top of the Rock above the catchments, above Both Worlds, thought he saw a body lying on the catchment. He borrowed a pair of binoculars from a passer by and confirmed his suspicion before calling the Police. An identity card on the body confirmed him as a serviceman. The last few months have been tragic ones for the Services on the Rock. A Royal Marine frogman drowned off Europa Point, two sailors fell into No 1 dock, a Petty Officer died in a similar fall, an RAF pilot met his death when his Hawker Hunter crashed off the airfield and two soldiers were killed when their car crashed near Apes Den, whilst another died of natural causes in hospital. 

 14 Nov 1975 - Spain abandoned the territory of Spanish Sahara despite King Juan Carlos having told the Saharahoui people only a year earlier that they could maintain union with Spain.

 14 Nov 2002 – Severe weather was experienced resulting in two private vessels dragging their anchors off Western Beach. One, the 50 foot Jimmy (with nobody onboard) struck the Spanish groyne and was badly damaged, sinking around 8.40am. The other, Sinbad, suffered similar punishment but her steel hull resisted serious damage; her captain and his daughter escaped across the groyne to return via the land frontier. The Sinbad was later recovered by tug and moored to detached mole.

 14 Nov 2002 – Primary and secondary approach radars are both unserviceable today resulting in cancelled and diverted flights. British Forces Gibraltar reported that the primary radar became unserviceable on the 12^th Nov and the secondary radar became unserviceable two weeks ago.

 15 Nov 1821 – The Earl of Chatham arrived to assume Governorship of Gibraltar.

 15 Nov 1866 – Today saw the re-enthronement of Our Lady of Europa.

 15 Nov 1874 - Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals established.

 15 Nov 1899 - A public meeting presided over by H.E. the Governor was held at the Exchange Rooms to raise subscriptions to the Transvaal War Fund, reaching over £1450 about Ptas 4100

 15 Nov 1914 - Grand patriotic meeting at the Theatre Royal was so well attended that several thousand people had to stand outside. The Gibraltar War Relief Fund Committee was established.

 15 Nov 1936 – Sr. Don Carlos Crooke, a resident of Malaga, was stabbed at Scud Hill. The assailants were arrested and sentenced to imprisonment.

 15 Nov 1942 - British escort carrier HMS Avenger (built in USA as passenger liner Rio Hudson, lend-leased to UK) was torpedoed west of Gibraltar, 50 miles S of Faro, by U-155. Avenger had taken part in N Africa landings before heading to her home port, the Clyde, as part of Convoy MKF-1. The torpedo struck on the port side causing her bomb magazine to explode, blowing away the centre section of the ship and she sank in two minutes. A total of 516 men died and just 12 survivors were picked up by escort destroyer HMS Glaisdale. U-155 survived the war being scuttled in Operation Deadlight.

 15 Nov 2002- Magistrates Court No3, in La Linea, was today the scene of accusations against the city’s Mayor; Juan Carlos Juarez. In contravention of Penal Code items 404 & 405, he is said to have been skimming off, by taking fines paid to the Municipal Police that should have been handed over to the municipality. The money is said to have been used to enrich fellow city councillors and their families. All together there are said to be 130 offences, involving 140 people, since July 1999. This is commonplace; another La Linea mayor used the parking fines to build a home swimming pool.

 15 Nov 2002 – In an attempt to focus attention elsewhere, Juan Carlos Juarez has accused Gibraltar of polluting the Bay. In fact, according to Cadiz Deputy Salvador de la Encina; “99% of the sewage wastes going into the Bay come from the inexistence (his words) of a depurifier in Algeciras and a small plant in La Linea. Algeciras pours 10 Million cubic metres of sewage into the Bay annually.”  Algeciras needs a 25M Euro treatment plant and Madrid does not expect the money to be available before 2008. 

 15 Nov 2003 – HMS St Albans, (F83) a type 23 frigate, entered harbour yesterday for a short visit.

 16 Nov 1869 - The opening of the 100 mile long Suez Canal, supervised by its initiator Ferdinand de Lesseps, from 25 Apr 1859. Guests came from around the world to see a flotilla make the first transit of the canal, lead by Empress Eugenie (wife of Napoleon 3rd) in the French Imperial yacht L'Aigle. On the night before the transit, a large quantity of ships waited in the basin to follow L'Aigle through. However, during the night HMS Newport (Commander George Nares) manoeuvred into position ahead of L'Aigle, in total darkness without any lights. When dawn broke the French were horrified to find the Royal Navy first in line and that it would be impossible to pass them. The result was that George Nares and HMS Newport were to push on through the canal and deprive the French of achieving the first transit. The move was highly popular in Britain but earned Nares an official reprimand - for diplomatic reasons - but did no harm to his career. He was promoted Captain that year and went on to have a distinguished career.

 16 Nov 1891 - Public meeting to protest Sanitary Order Amendment Order.

 16 Nov 1921 – Ex-Emperor of Austria Charles 1^st and his consort ex-Empress Zita arrived on board HMS Cardiff. They left the following day en-route to exile on the island of Madeira. Charles died only 5 months later (age 34) and is buried in the Church of Our Lady of Monte, Madeira. Following his beatification in 2004 he is known as Blessed Charles of Austria.

 16 Nov 1922 – A south-easterly gale hit the Rock. A man was killed by a prop falling on his head and a great deal of damage was caused. During the thunderstorm 3.55 inches of rain were recorded.

 16 Nov 1941 – (WW2) U433 was depth charged south of Malaga by the corvette HMS Marigold.

 16 Nov 1966 – The ‘Topping Out’ of Gibraltar Heights – formerly the Spanish pavilion – was preformed by the Governor, Sir Gerald Lathbury.

 16 Nov 1971 – It has been announced today that El Calpense, the 1868 Spanish language daily, which for the last few years has been an English weekly paper, is to cease publication, according to its editor Mr Wilson. The 30,961^st edition on Saturday last showed no sign of being the last. 

 17 Nov 1781 – (Gt Siege) Under Col. William Picton, the Suffolk Regiment formed the main body of the Grand Sortie, which exited Landport Sally Port in the dead of night and destroyed much of the Spanish Lines. In recognition of their action the name Gibraltar was added to their Colours and the Arms of Gibraltar became their cap badge.

 17 Nov 1834 - Torrential rain caused a great deal of damage; 10 lives were lost and a quantity of earth and stones washed down into some of the upper streets where it reached to the height of sixteen to eighteen feet and in some of the lower streets from three to ten feet.

 17 Nov 1905 - The Assistance arrived in tow of Magnificent, from Tetuan.

 17 Nov 1921 – The opening of a new Out-Patients department and Maternity Ward at the Colonial Hospital by HE the Governor. The cost was £4000 and with an X-ray machine at £1000, this made up the £5000 sent by the British Red Cross as a gift to recognise the support it had received from the people of Gibraltar during the Great War.

 17 Nov 1936 – Col. J.L. Sleeman, Chief Commissioner of St John’s Ambulance Brigade overseas, delivered an address at Government House, H.E. being present. Col. Sleeman had previously visited Australia, in March, where he performed the same task on behalf of the Duke of Connaught, Grand Prior of the Order.

 17 Nov 1936 – Sir Percy Everett, Chief Commissioner for Boy Scouts, en route to Australia, visited the Governor and places of interest before proceeding on his trip.

 17 Nov 1951 – AVRO Lincoln RF 337, of the Central Signals Establishment, suffered engine failure on take off from North Front and crashed into the sea. Lincolns were four-engined heavy bombers, later used for signals intelligence, radar research and as an engine test bed.

 17 Nov 1971 – The inaugural flight of what is to be a weekly BEA Vanguard cargo service arrived yesterday with 15 tons of fresh food. Pegasus Air Services MD, Otilio Viales, has had a busy 10 days in London arranging this 1^st flight carrying meat, fish, eggs, milk, fruit and vegetables.

 17 Nov 1997 – Abel Matutes, famous contrabandista and part time Foreign Office Minister, today explained that NATO could be used in the context of the Gibraltar Problem by bringing about joint use of our airport and flight control.

 18 Nov 1755 – An earthquake in Morocco ruined Mequinez and Tangier was much damaged.

 18 Nov 1765 – The First Race Horse meeting was held.

 18 Nov 1869 - Water pumped for the first time into Moorish Castle Tank.

 18 Nov 1870 – The newly completed HMVS Cerberus (Her Majesty’s Victorian Ship) arrived at Gibraltar. She is a breastwork monitor, which is modification to the original (flush deck) monitors by adding a short armoured breastwork to improve her sea keeping ability. She was en route to Australia where she arrived in 1871 and was renamed RNAS Cerberus when the Australian navy was formed (by Gibraltarian Adm. Cresswell) in 1911.

 18 Nov 1931 – An investiture was held at Government House where the G.C.B. was presented to Rear Admiral James and the O.M. to Mr A.C. Carrara.  Admiral Sir William Milbourne James was at that time Commander in Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet and is probably best known for his activities in naval intelligence during WW1. His grandfather was the artist Millais, who used a 5 year old William as a model for the famous Bubbles advertisement for Pear’s Soap.

 18 Nov 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Special warnings were issued to Spaniards of both sides residing in Gibraltar, to abstain from acting or speaking with partiality to any side. This warning refers to the previous warning of the 10^th August.

 18 Nov 1936 – (Sp Civ War) The Nationalists reached the outskirts of Madrid and Germany and Italy recognised the Franco Nationalist Government.

 18 Nov 1936 – Irish Guards landed from the transport Neuralia, carried out a route march, H.E. the Governor taking the salute at Government House.

 18 Nov 1965 - HMS Calpe formally commissioned as a stone frigate. (De-commissioned in 1993 for no practical reason and thought by many to be a F&CO sop to Spain)

 18 Nov 1968 - Miss Spain was forced by the Spanish Government, to withdraw from the Miss World contest, because of ‘political declarations’ by Miss Gibraltar that; "the presence of Miss Spain supposed Spanish acceptance of the British presence on the Rock".

 18 Nov 1977 – Partido Socialista de Gibraltar founded.

 18 Nov 2001 – The first official steps were taken towards the canonisation of Augustinian nun; Madre Amor de Dios, Maria Dolores, of Medina Sidonia. She was known as Simi Cohen-Levy of Gibraltar, prior to her conversion, and may yet become Gibraltar’s first (and only) saint.

 19 Nov 1726 - Colonel Kane (Governor) reported that the Spaniards, intent on improving the fortification of Algeciras, were to raise two batteries; one at the entrance to the bay and one near the bottom of the bay, alongside the old siege camp, out of range of his guns. Such a battery, he complained "would annoy ships that come to anchor on the Banck with easterly winds... that part of the Banck where the best anchoring grounds are."

 19 Nov 1755 - An extract of a letter received in England (Dec 2^nd) from Cadiz, stated: “The grand city of Mequinez is no more; it was buried in the bowels of the earth on 19^th November by a violent shock, which likewise swallowed up at several leagues distant two camps of moving Arabs, upwards of 400 tents, containing 25 or 30 persons each, with a large tract of country: the city of Fez escaped little better, not half the buildings and inhabitants remaining. Monaco and that neighbourhood have also suffered greatly; and the whole frame of the earth is still in motion.”  Letters from Gibraltar, dated November 28^th, give the same account. Subsequent advices from Lisbon described the arrival of the Brazil fleet, which reported having cruised the latitude of the Western Isles (Azores) for many days but being unable to find them, supposed they had been swallowed up by the late earthquakes. (Universal Magazine) In fact, the Azores had been hit by an enormous Tsunami, causing widespread devastation, but were still there. It is however possible that the Brazil fleet had been scared witless and failed to attend sufficiently to their navigation.

19 Nov 1876 - A flight of locusts swept over the Rock from North Africa.

19 Nov 1883 - The new Southport Gate was opened for traffic. It carried three coats of arms; on top are the Royal Arms, below and to the left are the Gibraltar arms and to the right the arms of the Governor Sir John Ayde. In between the latter two is the date 1883. The Gibraltar Chronicle was somewhat critical of their size and the lack of a scroll beneath. The Masonic Hall and The Assembly Rooms Company were formed on the same day.

 19 Nov 1917 – Torpedo Boat Destroyer USS Chauncey (DD3) was accidentally rammed and sunk by the British merchant steamship Rose, 110 miles West of Gibraltar, as both ships steamed in war imposed darkness, killing 3 officers and 18 men, At 0317 the Chauncey sank in 1500 fathoms of water. Seventy survivors were picked up by Rose and carried to port. The novel Delilah was written by Chauncey survivor Marcus Goodrich and is a fictional account based on his experience serving on board the Chauncey as an enlisted man.

 19 Nov 1928 – Today was the Golden Wedding anniversary of Mr & Mrs William Miles.

 19 Nov 1935 – Mr Herbert Williams was recognized as the Consul for the U.S. of America at Gibraltar.

 19 Nov 1936 – (Sp Civ War) HMS Griffin and Grenade brought refugees from Malaga, Cartagena and Almeria.

 19 Nov 1987 - In Strasbourg, the EC decided that Gibraltar would not be excluded from the air liberalisation package. Subsequently Spain vetoed Gibraltar and Britain backed Spain!

 20 Nov 1903 - Arrival of Columbia II navigated solely by her Captain, 100 days out of Boston, U.S.A. She is just 19 feet long with a beam of 6 feet and Captain Eisenbram encountered severe weather on the way.

 20 Nov 1905 – Archdeacon Govett was installed as Dean of Gibraltar.

 20 Nov 1920 - A Sanitary Commissioners meeting decide to inform the Governor that a Poor Law was not wanted in Gibraltar.

 20 Nov 1925 – The death occurred of H.M. Queen Alexandra.

 20 Nov 1931 - Gibraltar's first Air Mail service commenced with a flight from Gibraltar Bay to Tangier. The service was provided using a GB Airways Saro Windhover S1 amphibious aircraft.

 20 Nov 1932 – Today saw the Golden jubilee of Fr. M. Mallen.

 20 Nov 1933 – Radio Distribution began operations in Gibraltar today… this was a cable service, introduced before the widespread availability of wireless receivers.

 20 Nov 1947 - Queen of England's wedding day.

 20 Nov 1975 - Death of falangist dictator, General Franco, freeing Spain to acquire democracy... which arrived there on 6th Dec '75 and will soon be more widely available... we hope.

 21 Nov 1872 – A collision occurred some 12 miles east of the Rock between the British steamer Owen Wallace and Spanish steamer Arguilles. The Spanish steamer sank with the loss of three lives.

 21 Nov 1967 – The ‘Smokey Joe’ incident occurred when the Spanish minesweeper Tambre, know locally as Smokey Joe, anchored just off Western Beach at 0830. The Police launch attended but hastily retreated when two rifle shots hit the water not far from their boat. It happened that HMS Grenville was in port, with Commander Brewer in charge, who was ordered to deal with the problem. When the Commander finally boarded Tambre, with an escort from his ship and a Gibraltar police sergeant, he informed the Spaniard that he was in BGTW and was required to leave. Tambre’s commander replied that that was not possible until he received orders to do so from his superiors in Cadiz. In fact he remained there for three days, ending the matter with victory for the Spaniards and complete humiliation for the Royal Navy. Apparently it was not considered appropriate to burn, sink or destroy a NATO ally’s vessel in 1967, and that remains the position today. 

 21 Nov 2000 - Four anti-Tireless demonstrators made a silent protest, by holding up placards in the public gallery of the HoA. They were arrested for their trouble, even though there was considerable doubt that any offence was committed. It was subsequently confirmed that NO offence had been committed and they were released without charge.

 21 Nov 2003 – Ian Walters, the captain of the P&O cruise liner Aurora, held a small reception aboard to thank the government and the people of Gibraltar for their hospitality during the difficult time a few weeks ago when the ship was struck by norovirus… and the Spaniards closed the border on public health grounds…ha.

 22 Nov 1798 – The 50 gun, 4^th Rate HMS Medusa ran onshore and wrecked at Rosia Bay whilst receiving orders from Admiral Sir John Jervis, on Rosia Quay with a speaking trumpet.

 22 Nov 1895 – A fatal accident occurred during blasting operations at Rosia, three labourers were injured, one of them subsequently dying from his wounds.

 22 Nov 1897 - Arrival of the 1st Battalion The Manchester Regiment.

 22 Nov 1935 - A maidservant fell from a window 20 feet above Main St, landing on a woman passing by; she only suffered minor injuries.

 21 Nov 1936 – (Sp Civ War) HMS Greyhound brought refugees from Malaga.

 22 Nov 1936 – (Sp Civ War) HMS Griffin took refugees to Malaga.

 22 Nov 1939 – This was the first Blackout of WW 2.

 22 Nov 1982 – Mr Gerald Restano, deputy leader of the Democratic Party for British Gibraltar, said that in the last three British Government Development Aid programmes (£30M from 1971-82) “the government had on most occasions failed to spend it all by incompetence and sheer lack of planning. Now they try to find an excuse for their incompetence and mismanagement by blaming the British Government. How despicable a way of biting the hand that has been helping us for years.”

 22 Nov 2002 – Spanish authorities are considering what to do about the 746 kilos of hashish discovered yesterday in Melilla – aboard a Spanish Army truck.

 23 Nov 1875 - The Greek brig San Antonio drove head-on into the British brig Wellington stranded at Eastern Beach and cut her in two. 15 lives were lost.

 23 Nov 1881 - Outside St Mary the Crowned a large and noisy crowd prevented Vicar Apostolic Gonzallo Canilla from entering his own church for his installation.

23 Nov 1921 - Congratulations telegram sent by H.E. to Princess Mary on the occasion of her betrothal to Viscount Lascelles. £40/1/1 was collected from 210 Marys in Gibraltar for a wedding present.

 23 Nov 1936 – The death occurred of Miss Victorine L. Imossi.

 23 Nov 1950 - Duke of Edinburgh opens LegCo; Gibraltar's first legislative council.

 23 Nov 1988 – A Vickers 807 Viscount aircraft, G-BBVH, operated by GB Airways (Yogibair) crashed off the runway whilst attempting to land at Tangier. None of the 4 crew or 74 passengers was injured. The aircraft ran off the left side of runway 28 on landing, continued in a shallow channel before coming to rest 1165 yards past the touchdown point. Aquaplaning is suspected since the landing took place during a heavy rain shower with wind at 60deg/24knts. The aircraft, built in 1957, was damaged beyond economic repair and written off. 

 23 Nov 2001 – The pedestrianisation of Main Street has revealed yet another secret of our heritage. The AMCO team ripping up the street outside the Copacabana discovered a well, thought to date from the late 1700s or early 1800s, which is not shown on any map. It is to be studied by the Gibraltar Museum.

 23 Nov 2002 – The MoD have instigated a security training exercise and declared alert state Amber, resulting in the GSP being issued with SA 80 assault rifles and even more unbelievably, with ammunition. Many of us recall just a few months ago when a similar exercise turned out to be a genuine threat, but apparently was kept a secret from us until after the event. Another secret emerged two weeks ago via the BBC; two Naval anti-terrorist officers have been despatched to the Rock (presumably to secure capital assets). It is quite improper for armed officers to be on our streets without an adequate explanation being offered.

 24 Nov 1858 - J Galleano, eye witness to the Great Siege of 1782, died.

24 Nov 1876 – In consequence of the successful trial of the 100 ton gun at Spezzia, made by Sir William Armstrong for the Italian Government, the Admiralty purpose having a 200 ton gun constructed. It will be 50 feet in length, with a bore of 44 feet and diameter of 21 inches. The charge of powder will be 950lbs, the weight of shot 6000lbs and its length 5ft. It will be capable of throwing the shot 12 miles. It was never built.

  24 Nov 1924 - At the General Criminal Sessions a woman found guilty of infanticide was sentenced to 3 years penal servitude.

 24 Nov 1925 - Mails reach Gibraltar at noon due to the accelerated Spanish rail service.

 24 Nov 1936 – (Sp Civ War) HMS Greyhound took refugees to Malaga.

 24 Nov 1977 - First Anglo-Spanish talks with Gibraltar leaders present were held in Strasbourg.

 24 Nov 2005 – The cruise ship SS Rotterdam left Gibraltar Port today, assisted by the tug V. Bartigo, en route for Cadiz for a major refit. Her arrival on 12^th July last year, in tow of the Polish tug Englishman, was hailed a coup by Cammell Laird. As it turned out, the year’s stay in Gibraltar was to allow asbestos recovery – work unwanted elsewhere – whilst the major engineering work of refitting is to be carried out in Cadiz. The asbestos removal was carried out by English specialists, The Cuddy group, using an injection method to break down binding agents for easy removal. Perhaps fortunately (for us) all the recovered asbestos was taken with her in sealed containers for eventual disposal in her home port of Rotterdam. Cammell Laird apprentices, recovering asbestos were provided with boiler suits and facemasks and told to drink plenty of milk...!

 25 Nov 1865 – Today saw the arrival of HRH Prince Alfred.

 25 Nov 1875 – Two persons died in a most destructive flood that occurred early this morning when six inches of rain fell in 24 hours. The water reached a height of 8 feet at Jumpers and Orange Bastions. Tons of loose earth and stones fell at Catalan Bay; where all the houses were flooded. The church of Our Lady of Sorrows at Catalan Bay was inundated with sand and stones, washed in from the talus above. Some outbuildings belonging to the barracks in front of the church were buried.

 25 Nov 1919 - One month strike by Coal heavers ended.

 25 Nov 1933 - The first Indian girl to be born in Gibraltar was born today.

 25 Nov 1936 – (Sp Civ War) HMS Vanoc (H33) a V Class destroyer took refugees to Malaga.

 25 Nov 1940 – Operation Collar: Navy Force H under Admiral Summerville departed from Gibraltar to escort the small but vital convoy ME4 to Malta. The convoy of three merchant vessels, SS New Zealand Star, SS Clan Forbes and SS Clan Fraser was carrying 1370 RAF technicians. ME4 was already escorted from UK to Malta by Force F; cruisers HMS Manchester and HMS Southampton. Force H’s job was to cover them by some distance to the north against expected attack from the Italian Navy. The Italians did in fact attack and were intercepted by Force H, the result being the Battle of Spartivento.

 26 /27 Nov 1781 - The Great Sortie was made by the garrison, which stole out from Landport sally port in the middle of the night and destroyed formidable works by the enemy and spiked 28 guns. The men also stole everything they could eat… as they were starving.

 26 Nov 1815 – Sir George Don, Lt-Governor issued a proclamation introducing the practise of vaccination to Gibraltar.

 26 Nov 1888 - The Helena, built at W. Hartlepool in 1877, was a two-masted, schooner rigged, iron screw steamer of 1665GT on passage from Spain to UK calling at Gibraltar for orders.  She had passed Cabo de Gato and was making for Europa Point at about 6-7 knots. The master intended to go west about Europa at 600 yards distant. At 4.10 the ship took a sheer of about 6 points to starboard and although the helm was immediately put hard over to starboard, before she could respond she struck on a rock and was held fast; the lighthouse at Europa Point bearing E.N.E. about 300 yards. The board of inquiry held the master at fault for not keeping a prudent distance from shore, giving the ship no space to recover when experiencing a severe tidal sheer. It also expressed surprise that a pinnacle rock existed within 300 yards of Europa and yet there is no direct indication to mariners that such a rock exists. In fact the rock had been noted by Norie in 1840 and it was said that there was sufficient room for a man-of-war to pass between it and Europa. The Helena’s crew were saved and about 120 tons of cargo before the ship went down.

 26 Nov 1929 - Domestic Economy Section opened in St Mary's Catholic Elementary School for girls.

 26 Nov 1934 – The death occurred of Lady Kitson. The funeral took place next day and was attended by H.E the Governor General Sir C.H. Harington.

 26 Nov 1937 - Ban on cars sounding horns at night.

 26 Nov 1940 – The first Canadian troops ever to be stationed on the Rock arrived today. They were 100 men from No 1 Tunnelling Company, Royal Canadian Engineers. They were joined by No 2 Company in March 1941 and between them, they removed almost 140,000 tons of rock during their 2 year stay. Using diamond drilling techniques they excavated Gorts Hospital and the 12 x 12 x 1200 foot Harley Street.

 26 Nov 1941 – A Bristol Bombay, L5846, being ferried from RAF Hampstead Norris to Gibraltar (by an OADU crew) ditched in the sea when the engines failed just short of the Rock. She is situated in 40mtrs water 1.5M SW of Punta Carnero and has become a popular dive site. There were no fatalities; the whole crew were saved. The subsequent investigation revealed that the pilot had little knowledge of the aircraft’s fuel system and it was mishandling of the fuel supply which lead to fuel starvation and the subsequent accident. This event is not unique, another Bombay, L5837, had ditched on 6^th July, some 20M short of Gibraltar when the engines failed in unknown circumstances.

 26 Nov 1986 - Foreign Secretary Geoffrey Howe was defeated at the UN by 116 to 4 votes. He accused UN of "Failing to uphold one of its founding principles; self determination." However, when he came to Gibraltar he said we could not have self-determination.  When he argued at the UN, he was defending the Falklands.

 26 Nov 2003 – A locally registered car plunged off the North Mole into the harbour today. The CFB attended and rescued a local man who was unhurt. The car was finally recovered two days later Friday 28^th.

 27 Nov 1813 - Dispatch sent to London by Wellington; "You may rely on this, that if you take a firm and decided line and show determination to go through with it, you will bring the Spanish government to their senses and you will put an end to their petty cabals..." A Sept. 1988 Telegraph item informed us that Spain had bulldozed the field where the Battle of Talavera took place and thousands of soldiers bones were just ploughed back in… and nobody in Spain has ever heard of Wellington.

 27 Nov 1925 - Exceptional rainfall of 5.2 inches recorded in 15 hours.

 27 Nov 1927 – Rt. Rev. Dr. F.C.N. Hicks D.D. was enthroned as Church of England Bishop.

 27 Nov 1936 – St Andrews church bazaar was opened by Lady Harington.

 27 Nov 1977 – After meeting with Marcel Oreja, Foreign Secretary Dr David Owen told Sir Joshua and Maurice Xiberras that they should agree to the Spanish flag flying alongside the Union Flag at the top of the Rock. He later said (on UK Ch. 4 TV) that Gibraltar should do away with the preamble to the constitution. Beware politicians of all makes!

 27 Nov 1984 - Brussels Agreement signed by Geoffrey Howe and Fernando Moran.  It paved the way for lifting all Spanish restrictions and for talks on future of the Rock. Was this ironic anniversary Hassan's revenge?  Fernando Moran said later: "whilst Gibraltar will not be Spanish for 25 years hence, agreement on how this would be achieved would be signed, sealed and delivered within 5 years.    see also 28/2/73, 7/11/74, 12/12/84 and 10/12/97.

 27 Nov 1990 - Felipe Gonzalez was talking to Maggie Thatcher about Gibraltar.

 27 Nov 1996 - Jose Maria Aznar was talking to John Major about Gibraltar.

 27 Nov 1996 – GoG was talking to Spanish Unions about how their pensioners (who received £70 per week) were to be paid arrears to 1^st Jan 1994.  This offended Gibraltar pensioners who were on the lower rate of £168 pcm and their wives £68 pcm.

  28 Nov 1730 - The Governor (Colonel Kane) wrote to the Duke of Newcastle; "besides, this fort or citadele which they have projected will absolutely command our anchoring place in the Bay and then, they please to annoy not only a great part of the Town, but even reach the moorings near the New Mole, to which our ships-of-war retired, when they were attacked in the last siege by Tesse's Battery."  (In 1727 Gibraltar had been under siege and was then blockaded into the 1730's)

  The Chief Engineer, Jonas Moore commented that the Tesse Battery, during the late siege, had been 2740 yards distant from the Fortress but had successfully denied all commerce with the Garrison. The new lines, at only 1640 yards away, would do the same, and in time of war drive out all ships from the anchorage. "They will not suffer the fishermen of the place to draw their nets in the Bay or the Mediterranean." As late as 1751 General Bland claimed the credit for breaking the blockade, which ran intermittently until 1748.

 28 Nov 1741 - The Governor issued the following pronouncement: "Whereas Silver has for some time past been very scarce which was occasioned by ill people sending away the silver from the Garrison, to make an advantage of it abroad; to the great detriment of the Garrison in general and more specially to the army, non-commissioned officers and soldiers being very often much distressed for want of change. The Governor to prevent such inconveniences, and ill consequences, as may arise from the afore said evil practice of sending silver coin abroad has permitted that a piece may be punched out of the middle of each milled 10 Rial peace of certain bigness in shape of a heart weighing one penny wt. and two grains, or three about sufficient to lower the value of the same in any other country, but not so as to be reduced too low a value for this place, etc. Any person cheating the public shall forfeit the money and be committed to prison in the same manner as a clipper or coiner. The order was translated into Spanish and copies in English and Spanish put-up on the most public places of the town.

 28 Nov 1815 – The second lottery was held to raise funds for the construction of the Alameda Gardens; in all some 8 lotteries were held.

 28 Nov 1890 - Frost was observed at North Front.

 28 Nov 1924 - Ceremonial opening of the new City Hall by HE the Governor Sir Charles Monro.

 28 Nov 1934 – The Annual Dinner of the RGYC at Government House, where the Governor proposed a toast to the Duke & Duchess of Kent.

 28 Nov 1936 – The Jockey Club races were held at North Front.

 28 Nov 1941 – The Dutch submarine HLMS O-21 (Lt Johannes Frans van Dulm RNN) torpedoed and sank the German submarine U-95, (Kapitan Lt. Gert Schreiber) at 36’24N. 3’20W. landing U-95’s survivors in Gibraltar.

 28 Nov 1942 – Eisenhower departed, transferring his HQ to Algiers.

 29 Nov 1802 – A mutiny has recently broken out aboard Her Majesty Ship Gibraltar, 84 guns, whilst on passage to Malta in company with Superb, Dragon and Triumph.

 29 Nov 1901 – Rt. Rev. G.R. Barbiere was installed as Vicar Apostolic.

 29 Nov 1923 – Saw the inauguration of the Gibraltar Soup Kitchen, which had been instituted by Mrs Rowan Hamilton.

 29 Nov 1933 - The old Ceremony of The Keys (closing the gates at the hour of retreat) was revived, after having been discontinued for a number of years.

 29 Nov 1934 – Today was the marriage of H.R.H. the Duke of Kent to H.R.H. Princess Marina of Greece. A congratulatory telegram was sent by H.E. on behalf of the citizens and members of the services stationed at Gibraltar, which was graciously acknowledged.

 29 Nov 1943 – A Consolidated B.17 Flying Fortress, Reg. FK208, whilst on approach to North Front, crashed into the sea off Punta Carnero. All ten crew members were rescued but the aircraft sank and was lost.

 30 Nov 1858 - The Austrian Brig Tesoro grounded off Orange Bastion.

 30 Nov every – Today is St Andrews Day.

 30 Nov 1917 – Gibraltarian Lt. Solomon Benzecry (b. 1893) of the 10^th Battalion, The London Regiment, died today whilst performing a rearguard action (alongside Capt. Walter Stone) that impeded elements of a German counter attack, during the Battle of Cambrai. The rearguard’s efforts were credited with averting the loss of the Battalion. When last seen, they were fighting with bayonet, bullet and bomb to the last. There was no survivor. Lt Benzecry (called by contemporary London press: Hero of Bourlon Wood) was seen to be wounded in the head but continued to fight until he was killed. That only Captain Stone received a posthumous V.C. reflects the official attitude of the time.

 30 Nov 1920 - The Food Supply Committee ceased the issue of cheap food stuffs to the poor.

 30 Nov 1929 - Duty on tobacco was increased.

 30 Nov 1930 – The brutal murder of Miss Maria Luisa Bossano.

 30 Nov 1992 - Martin Prieto writing in 'Tiempo' described Don Juan de Bourbon's passage through the Strait in his yacht Giralda. Apparently, Don Juan gave us the "right-hand-inside-left-elbow-salute" in gratitude for refuge here in 1931 when he was given sanctuary along with Infante Don Carlos de Bourbon, when pursued by republicans.

30 Nov 2000 – The Gibraltar Evacuation Monument (1941-51) was unveiled by the Chief Mini Peter Caruana, at 5.30pm. It was designed by Jill Cowie Sanders (a British sculptor resident in Spain who apparently enjoys the patronage of our government) to commemorate the return of Gibraltarians to their homeland after the end of WW 2. It stands on a roundabout in North Mole Road within sight of the Mons Calpe Quay from whence many Yanitos departed and via which many returned.

  

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 Nov 1874 - Accident at Theatre Royal, in which Miss Armstrong was burnt and subsequently died.

Nov 1879 - A fountain erected by Sanitary Commissioners in Commercial Square (JonMac now) was opened by HE Lord Napier of Magdala.

 Nov 1892 - Jimena to Ronda (2nd) section of Algeciras to Bobadilla Railway opened. (1st section Oct 1890) Operating 6 passenger trains daily thro' 22 stations and costing 11 pesetas and 65 centimos (6p) for a first class seat San Roque to Ronda.

 Nov 1893 - Several hundred Spanish workers stoned the Aduana Post, accusing the administrator of being a thief and making them pay duty at his own whim. Two companies of the Spanish Queen's Regiment settled the issue. Again in 1894, Spanish workers going home from The Rock were made to get rid of whatever food they had left in their lunchboxes.

 Nov 1902 - The opening of Waterport Gate, North side, for 4 wheeled traffic.

 Nov 1903 – Today saw the opening of King Edward VII Soldiers & Sailors Institute at a cost of £11,000.

 Nov 1915 – (WW1) The Colonial Secretary’s office published periodic list of Gibraltarians serving in HM Forces in various theatres of war at the front. The lists were compiled from information collected in the Colonial Office and therefore should not be regarded as complete. The last list available, published 19^th October 1916, includes the names of 76 Gibraltarians, their rank and regiments. Three men are marked as killed in action. Gibraltarians served in a wide range of British regiments: the Royal Engineers, Irish Rifles, Wiltshires, Bedfords, Army Service Corps, Royal Artillery, Dorsets, Middlesex, Seaforth Highlanders, 1^st King Edwards Horse, HM Trawlers and Artists Regiments.  The majority of men listed returned to Gibraltar, some carrying physical injury, most carrying debilitating physiological scars. A small number settled abroad.

 Nov 1921 – Saw the opening of the new extension to the Out Patients Dept and Maternity Ward at Colonial Hospital. (SBH)

 Nov 1922 - The Cross of Sacrifice at North Front was unveiled today.

 Nov 1927 - Christian Bros Technical School (Sacred Heart Terrace) opened.

 Nov 1938 - Naval estimate showed cost of the runway would be £123,000.

 Nov 1940 – No 1 Canadian Tunnelling Company, four officers and 100 men, arrived in Gibraltar. They were trained hard-rock miners form Ontario and Quebec.

 Nov 1955 – Joshua Hassan became the First Mayor of Gibraltar.

 Nov 1984 - RAF Station Commander Norman Tench stated he didn't foresee a Spanish Commander taking over his post at Gibraltar, a British airport belonging to the British MoD:  "I cannot predict in any way that the Spaniards will come over and take control of the airport... unless the MoD withdraws its funding of the airport, which is alternatively provided by the GoG or the Foreign Office I cannot see a Spaniard taking over control...”

 Nov 1985 - Sir Peter Terry became Governor and Commander in Chief. He is remembered by Convent Staff as the Governor who wanted to dig up much of the garden to install a golf driving-range. Fortunately he was prevented from so doing. The poor man was subsequently shot (in the face) by the IRA whilst sitting at home in his own front room. He was very lucky to survive.

 Nov 1987 - Eric Ogden, Chairman of the UK Falkland Islanders Committee writing in the Daily Telegraph said; "To the Argentines, discussing sovereignty means the surrender and transfer of sovereignty. Anything less is for them only the first step to full ownership and control..." ... sound familiar?

 Nov 1993 - Jose Luis Yague reporting in Area said "many stories could be told about multi-millionaire Customs officials and sub-officers or even simple carabineros, loaded with money and becoming large property owners. The La Linea working man, however, had his pound of butter, or sugar, or even his loaf of white bread from Gibraltar, taken away...”

 Nov 1998 - 25 Barbary Apes (Farringdon Battery Pack) left the Rock for a new home in a purpose built compound in a woodland park at Daun Safari Park above; River Mosel in the Rheinland Phalz. The 4x adult and 1x sub adult males, 6x adult females (and their babies) 2x sub adult females and 7 juveniles, made the 7 hour  (direct?) flight to Frankfurt followed by 5 hours on the road. 

 Early 99 - A further 24 apes - which had settled at Catalan Bay – were culled. It was believed unlikely they could be resettled.

 Nov 2003 – A recent charcoal find in the upper levels at Gorham’s Cave was sent for AMS radiocarbon dating at Beta Analytic Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory in Florida.   The result was a close bracket of dates, ie between 650AD and 780AD. The median date would be 715, remarkably close to Tarik’s 711 landing at Europa when the Arab-Berber invasion is believed to have begun.

 Nov 2005 – Reports from Spain indicate that Spanish President Jose Luis Zapatero will shortly get a pay rise giving him a salary of £62,450 in 2006; the Foreign Minister Moratinos will get paid £55,175. By way of comparison the Chief Minister of Gibraltar receives £88,571. (ie. 40% more than Jose Luis and a whopping 60% more than Moratinos)

Nov 2006 - The new constitution was drafted and later approved by the people of Gibraltar in a referendum. It was described as non-colonial in nature by Britain and Gibraltar. However, when UK Europe Minister Jim Murphy told the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons abou the new constitution he stated that ' he has never described it as an end to the colonial relationship...' Although others have done so.