Sep

                                            Gibraltarmonthly

September:

  1 Sep 1816 – The British vessel Lady Warren was carried into Cadiz by the Spanish privateer El Feroz. The British vessel had been bound for Gibraltar with a cargo of hides, shipped at Buenos Aires and belonging to two passengers, both Spanish merchants, who found themselves thrown into prison on their arrival in Cadiz, for conniving with Spanish American rebels. The British Consul in the Spanish port, James Matthews, was convinced of the illegality of the capture and set about trying to procure her release. His attempts to communicate with the British crew were thwarted by the prize master and protestations to the Spanish authorities met with no success. Considering ‘the English flag as having been insulted’ he submitted a protest to the Naval Commander and a full report to Lord Castlereagh, the British Foreign Secretary, pointing out that Buenos Aires was not blockaded and if a precedent were allowed to be set by the case, all British ships bound from Spanish America to Britain would be liable to capture and condemnation. Castlereagh sought legal advice from the King’s Advocate and was informed that since Spain and Buenos Aires were at war, and the ship sailed partly under charter of Buenos Aires inhabitants, there were strong grounds to justify the seizure. However, before Castlereagh could take any action, another report arrived from James Matthews stating that the ship had been restored, damages paid and only the part of the cargo belonging to Spain’s enemies had been condemned as good prizes.

 1 Sep 1858 - The Post Office in Waterport St. (now Main St) opened. Two previous entities, the Overland Post Office and the Packet Agency (for mail brought by sea) were combined into the British Government’s GPO. The last Packet Agent, Edmund Creswell, was appointed Postmaster, answerable to the Postmaster General in London. The building was designed by the Colonial Engineer.

 1 Sep 1873 – During the Cantonal Rebellion, British Admiral Sir Hastings R Yelverton captured several insurgent vessels at Escombrera Bay, Cartagena and took them to the Rock. The insurgents (more correctly intransigents) threatened to fire upon the British fleet. The English residents had already left the city and the insurgents threatened to confiscate their property and were greatly exasperated. A conflict was expected. The insurgent ships Vitoria and Almansa were held at Gibraltar. The Cantonal Rebellion was an attempt to break the First Spanish Republic into autonomous regions or cantons and Britain helped Spain suppress it.

 1 Sep 1916 - Mr J Discombe, Registrar of Supreme Court, appointed as Custodian of Enemy Property.

 1 Sep 1921 – (Irish War Indep) A Proclamation was issued terminating the present war from midnight of the 31st August. The Irish War of Independence concluded with the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the partition of Ireland.   

 1 Sep 1924 – The Hon. CW Scott assumed administration of government during the absence on leave of H.E. the Governor Sir C.C. Monro who returned on 7^th Oct.

 1 Sep 1925 – The death occurred of Christian Br. MV Jones, having been in Gibraltar some 45 years.

 1 Sep 1971 - Rock's north face was climbed for the first time, Don Willans and company.

 2 Sep 1859 – British astronomer Richard Carrington observed a large white flare from the surface of the sun. It was a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) in which billions of tons of charged particles were launched into space, some of which inevitably collided with the earth’s magnetic field. One result was that the polar lights (aurora) dipped down as far as Cuba. The unfortunate result for Gibraltar and the rest of Europe was that it threw the telegraph network into total disarray and it remained unusable for days. Fortunately this was two decades before the telephone and commercial electricity generation, which would have suffered badly. A similar event today would wreak havoc on GPS, satellite comms, power distribution and computer networks.

 2 Sep 1878 - Hackney Carriages permitted to use stands.

 2 Sep 1878 - List of persons qualified to act as jurors henceforth in­cludes the names of several Hebrew gentlemen; Jewish people had previously been debarred from jury service.

 2 Sep 1936 – (Sp. Civ. War) More refugees left for Malaga. A proclamation was published prohibiting the export of arms to Spain.

 2 Sep 1939 - WW2 - Convoy AB1 made up of Tankers British Loyalty, British Ardour, British Princess and British Motorist and Steamers City of Hereford, City of Shanghai, and Rowanbank departed Gibraltar for Cape Town, SA. British Faith broke down shortly after weighing anchor and did not join the convoy. The convoy was escorted by Light Cruisers Dauntless and Despatch (9th cruiser squadron) and by Destroyers Douglas, Wishart, Watchman and Wrestler (13th destroyer flotilla) who carried out anti-sub sweeps.

 2 Sep 1943 – Consolidated Catalina Mk1, Reg. Z2147, of 202 Sqdn based at Gibraltar was credited with nine successful attacks on enemy submarines, but today she was shot down and ended up in the drink. Of the seven men who escaped from the aircraft, all were injured and only three survived.

 2 Sep 2002 – Arrival of the USS Barry, an Arleigh-Burke Class guided missile destroyer, commissioned in 1992. C.O. Commander Terence E Culton hosted a visit by HE the Governor.

 3 Sep 1501 - Spanish Pope Alexander VIth (Rodrigo de Borgia) decreed that their Catholic Majesties should receive one tenth of all the monies and holdings in the New World "to help Spain pay her expenses in those regions".

 3 Sep 1752 – Britain abandoned the Julian calendar and adopted the Gregorian calendar, making this day now September the 14^th.

 3 Sep 1783 – The Treaty of Versailles reaffirmed the Rock’s British sovereignty. The deal confirmed Gibraltar was to remain British in perpetuity and included Britain handing over the island of Minorca, the two Floridas and coastal Honduras to Spain. Spain subsequently sold Florida to USA.

 3 Sep 1783 – The Treaty of Paris was signed in which Britain acknowledged American independence and thus brought the war to an end.

 3 Sep 1857 - British Postage Stamps were first issued in Gibraltar. (Bermuda over-stamped) These prepaid letters to all countries except for Spain to benefit from their lower postal rate.

 3 Sep 1922 - Arrival of Saad Zaghul Pasha and party exiled from Egypt they were lodged at Glen Rocky (Judges House?) and left on the 3rd April 1923.

3 Sep 1934 – Work began on a grass airstrip at North Front (then Victoria Gardens and racecourse) and was completed on 10^th March 1936 for the princely sum of £573. The construction of a solid surface runway began in late 1939.

 3 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) The Nationalists captured Irun and Talavera.

 3 Sep 1936 - A football match between HMS Despatch and the Italian Cruiser Gorizia ended in a draw.

 3 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) HMS Venetia brought more refugees. Venetia was a V class destroyer of WW1 vintage.

 3 Sep 1939 - World War 2 began when Australia, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany.

 3 Sep 1939 - SS Athenia was torpedoed, becoming the first merchant vessel to be sunk in the war, just 3 hours after war was declared, with the loss of 128 passengers and crew.  This is now enshrined as Merchant Navy Day. Some 15,000 merchant seafarers lost their lives in WW1 and 30,248 during WW2. The Red Ensign has been the Merchant Navy flag since 1854.

 3 Sep 1962 – This morning, around 1,850 sightseers were landed, some 950 from the liner Oronsay, en route to Australia and a further 900 from the Chusan, on a cruise. 

 3 Sep 2005 – Gibraltar Museum announced the discovery of a rock painting of a deer, deep inside Gorham’s cave. The painting, believed to be up to 13,000 years old, is the second found on the Rock following a discovery in St Michael’s Cave and highlights the wealth of archaeological remains in Gibraltar. During the last two weeks there have also been important Neanderthal finds at Gorham’s.  

 3 Sep 2005 –The RAF held a Community Day at North Front, which included breath-taking low-level fly pasts by a Hawk and a Tornado. Visitors were able to view aircraft displayed alongside the RAF workshops from fairly close at hand. Unfortunately, security requirements meant that climbing in and out of aircraft with the pilots, as in the past, was no longer available. A couple of demonstrations, including RAF dogs, proved quite popular. When two dogs had a bit of a fight, they had to be separated by a handler who afterwards required seventeen stitches, but was otherwise unhurt. 

 3 Sep 2005 – For the first time ever the Convent Guard was provided by an all female RAF guard, to celebrate the 56^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Guard Commander Sgt. Lynn Maynard, NCO Relief Corporal Alison Jones and sentries Corporal Becky Cador, Emma Barnet and SAC Crystal Hardy maintained the tradition of Convent Guard Mounts in robust military style and the music was provided by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.

 3 Sep 2007 – A young man being held on remand for arson made a daring escape from HMP Moorish Castle today triggering a Gibraltar wide manhunt. The 19 year old British national, who is charged with allegedly setting fire to a boat at Coaling Island, was later recaptured near Ince’s House, Laguna.

 4 Sep 1782 - At the height of the Great Siege, an order was issued forbidding the sale of tea sugar, flour or butter.

 4 Sep 1793 - The Garrison Library was established.

 4 Sep 1828 - Malignant Fever (Yellow fever) broke out continuing until the 28^th December. A total of 1667 people died; 1170 civilians and 507 military and their families.

 4 Sep 1837 – The Peninsular Steam Navigation Co. (later P&O) inaugurated the first Steam Packet service from London and Falmouth to ports on the Iberian peninsular (hence the name) and Gibraltar. Having earlier secured a contract with the Admiralty, in August, PSNC advertised their service of 5 steamships to carry passengers and mail to Lisbon, Cadiz and Gibraltar. The packets were to sail weekly from London, calling at Falmouth to take in the mails, proceed to Vigo, (stay of 3hrs) then to Oporto (3hrs), Lisbon, (48hrs) Cadiz, (6hrs) thence to Gibraltar (48hrs). In this way the entire voyage was completed in 9 days. This round trip of 18 days compared extremely well with the previous monthly (sailing) packet service which in June this year took 23 days from Lisbon to Falmouth. The 5 vessels were; Don Juan, Tagus, Braganza, Liverpool and Iberia, and were all paddle steamers, as the first screw steamer had yet to be invented. In fact the first vessel to operate the service was the chartered William Fawcett; named after the man who built her engines. The fleet flew the PSNC (P&O) house flag, which is quartered blue & white for the house of Braganza and red & gold for the house of Bourbon.  

 4 Sep 1909 – The first ever Boy Scout Rally took place at Crystal Palace, London.

 4 Sep 1962 – Film actor Lawrence Harvey opened the new RAF gymnasium at N. Front.

 4 Sep 1962 - On this day Europa Road which had been under construction since the beginning of the year opened to two way traffic.

 4 Sep 2002 – The American destroyer USS Roosevelt arrived in Gibraltar yesterday. She is an Arleigh-Burke Class guided missile destroyer commissioned in October 2000. The C.O. Commander Robert P Girrier USN gave the governor and Mrs Durie a tour of the ship.

 4 Sep 2002 – The Dutch warship Witte de With arrived today for fuel. F813 is a Jacob Van Heermskerck Class frigate, commissioned in September 1986.

 5 Sep 1800 – The French troops holding Malta surrendered to British forces.

 5 Sep 1813 - Wellington sent the following dispatch to Their Lordships in London: “England is nowhere dealt with more shamelessly than by Spain… although saved by Britain from being a mere French province..." see also 27th Nov same year.

 5 Sep 1847 - A terrible accident occurred in the bay; when a 25 year old seaman on board the US Frigate Princeton, fired a salute in honour of Prince Demidoff, he was blown into the water and lost both hands. The Prince awarded him a £16 a year pension for life.

 5 Sep 1870 - HMS Trinculo, a Britomart Class wooden gunboat left Gibraltar this afternoon for Malaga. At 10pm a Spanish merchant steamer Moratin was sighted off Europa point and wrongly adjusted her course after Trinculo altered hers to ensure clearance.  The gunboat was struck on the port side and cut to the waterline. Two men were lost in the hurried evacuation, whilst the ship sank. No blame was attached to Lt. Francis Crofton or his crew since the Spaniard had erred.  She had been a three masted barquentine, with an auxiliary steam engine.            

 5 Sep 1870 - Raising of a subscription to aid sick and wounded in the war between Prussia and France.

5 Sep 1905 – The new Governor, H.E. General Sir FWEF Forestier-Walker, arrived.

 5 Sep 1934 – Solemn Requiem Mass celebrated at the Cathedral for Prince Gonzalo de Bourbon and Mountbatten. Captain Jones, A.D.C. represented the Governor, Gen. Sir C.H. Harington and Lt. Commander Clayton represented Rear Admiral Austin. The Bishop Dr. R.J. Fitzgerald presided and gave the absolutions; the mass was arranged by the Sra. Marquesa de Esquivel.

 5 Sep 1934 – The band of the Grenadier Guards, in full uniform, landed from the S.S. Otranto on their way to Australia. They marched from Waterport to Southport and stopped at Government House where H.E. the Governor, General Sir C.H. Harington took the salute. After being entertained they proceeded back to the ship.

 5 Sep 1936 – The Dockyard Aquatic Sports Day took place; Mrs Pipon presenting prizes. (see also 29^th Aug 1936)

 5 Sep 1936 (Sp Civ War) Nationalist forces cleared Guadiaro and Tesorillo of Republican forces.

 5 Sep 1939 - WW2 - Undersee boot U-40 unsuccessfully attacked a convoy W. of Gibraltar.

 5 Sep 1939 - WW2 – Contraband control: Destroyer Wrestler, having been detached from convoy AB1, seized and sent in the Yugoslav steamer Jurko Topic carrying a cargo of bauxite for Germany. She was the first ship sent in to Gibraltar during the war.

 5 Sep 1951 – Air Chief Marshall Sir Leslie Hollinghurst opened the first permanent RAF building in Gibraltar, at Devil’s Tower Camp.

 5 Sep 1962 – A deputation from the Gibraltar Trades Council presented a memorial to the Governor in which the local labour movement expressed their views on the military rundown in Gibraltar and offered suggestions as to how hardships might be lessened.

 5 Sep 1963 – The Chronicle reported that MH Bland were on the point of reaching agreement with government over the erection of an aerial ropeway to the top of the Rock. A team of Swiss engineers were already on the Rock carrying out the necessary survey work.

 5 Sep 1964 – Miss Lydia Davis, 19, was elected Miss Gibraltar.

 5 Sep 2000 – Police Inspector Jimmy Alacantara’s home was subject to an arson attack whilst he was watching his daughter take part in Miss Gibraltar. A window in his home was smashed and petrol poured in. Damage was considerable but the attack ‘could have had grave consequences’ said the Police.

 5 Sep 2001 - The Heritage Trust today invited the C.M. to unveil a monument at Queensway Quay commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the Bedenham disaster; when the RFA loaded with 500 tons of ammunition exploded, killing 13 people, on the 27^th April 1951. Two survivors were present; Joseph Baglietto and Malcolm Hughes, who flew in especially from South Wales.

 5 Sep 2001 – Junior F&CO Minister Peter Hain paid a flying visit to Gibraltar (9hrs) to give the appearance of consultation with the Rock’s Chief Mini Peter Caruana and leaders of the opposition (Joe B. and Joseph G.). Sources said it smelled like a sell out… and indeed it proved so to be.  Jack Straw and Josef Pique have revived the so called Brussels Process to discuss Spanish sovereignty of the Rock. The F&CO is encouraging our Chief Mini to attend but he will not be allowed to have his own voice and separate representation. He must participate as part of the UK delegation, effectively an observer, as both Britain and Spain have said the talks will have only one leader of each delegation. The vast majority of Gibraltarians and all political parties are opposed to any concession on sovereignty and any power sharing with Spain… or so it would appear; suggesting the Chief Mini has had a road to Damascus revelation or finally accepted the view of the Populus Calpe. Some people believed that his agenda had once included autonomous-Spanish-territory status for the Rock and the Order of the Bath (from the Queen) and Calatrava (from the King) for him, as a world class politician and peacemaker.

 6 Sep 1862 - French ship-of-the-line Prince Jerome bound for Mexico with 1000 troops on board put into Gibraltar with a fire on board. Permission granted for troops to be landed. The vessel was commenced in 1827 as the Hannibal, but abandoned for 30 years before being completed under the 2^nd French Empire as a steam powered –wooden - ship of the line. She ended her life as a hulk in Saigon in 1885.

 6 Sep 1879 – A presentation was made of the Victoria Cross to Lt-Col Hans Garrett Moore, for his gallant actions in Cape Colony in 1877. He had attempted to rescue a dismounted Private Giese, by riding back alone in the midst of the enemy, shooting two Kaffirs, whilst enduring an assegai wound.

 6 Sep 1883 - Gibraltar Cricket Club formed.

 6 Sep 1918 - New Governor General Sir Horace Lockwood Smith-Dorrien arrived.

 6 Sep 1936 – The departure of HMS Shamrock after six years service in the Gibraltar Local Defence Flotilla. Shamrock was an S class destroyer built in 1918, 1000 tons, and 277 feet long with a crew of 90. She had a 2pdr Pom-pom (AA) 3x 4” guns and 4x 21” torpedo tubes and was capable of 36 knots. Her Irish captain, Commander James A. McCoy had previously commanded HMS Splendid on the same station and had many friends in Gibraltar, including Francelita (?) and Silvia Larios of Monte de la Torre, Algeciras… duties of the Gibraltar LDF were not particularly onerous… Capt. McCoy took Shamrock back to Portsmouth where she was paid off and scrapped.

 6 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) The Nationalists, who upon commencement of the movement had only a bare stretch of country in Andalusia, now effectively hold the provinces of Seville, Cadiz, Huelva and Cordoba.

 6 Sep 1940 – Aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, battleship HMS Barham and battleship HMS Resolution and ten destroyers departed The Rock for Dakar.

 6 Sep 1943 – HMS Puckeridge was sunk 40 miles east of Gibraltar by two torpedoes from U 617 whilst on passage from Gibraltar to Oran.

 6 Sep 2000 – Britain decided to repair nuclear submarine HMS Tireless in Gibraltar; “for safety reasons” said British Defence Secretary and 1^st Class B.S. Geoff Hoon.  “We want to have the submarine repaired in Gibraltar, that is the safest and sensible option” he said in a local television interview here “obviously we are understanding and sympathetic to the entirely legitimate concerns of the people of Gibraltar”. This followed the refusal by all our NATO allies to accept the vessel on any terms. There was strong opposition locally (around 80% of public) but we had no say in the matter.  It later transpired that during the repairs, a visit from our Chief Mini was shown the repair area shrouded in dust sheets as it was determined to be “UK eyes only”... A deception not imposed on a Spanish delegation who visited some time later.

 6 Sep 2001 - New EU-Compliance car registration plates came into force from today. The present 5 digit number scheme is near exhaustion and so from today a 4 digit plus a letter system is in place. A second change involves the introduction of a blue vertical band at the l.h.s of the plate within which is depicted the EU logo; a circle of gold stars and below that the GBZ designation agreed under the Vienna Convention.

 6 Sep 2002 - Two cyclists from Holland, Ad Holwerda and Dick Deirkauf, from the town of Harderwyk (80 kms E of Amsterdam) arrived in Gibraltar today after an epic 4,500km trip. The men retired from the Dutch Army - artillerymen who had served across the globe and carried out UN peace missions – and took seven weeks to cycle across France, Spain via Santiago to Portugal and then on to the Southern tip of Europe. About Gibraltar they said “it is much taller than we imagined and certainly there are a lot of people here.”

 7 Sep 1839 – A fire at Mr Nahon's house in Waterport Street caused a great deal of damage. Sergeant John Kelly of the Gibraltar Police distinguished himself in his endeavours at the site, resulting in the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company presenting him with a Lifesaving Medal ‘as testimony to his intrepid and successful exertions at a fire’.

 7 Sep 1856 – Saw the departure for England of the Right Rev Dr Hughes, who had been the Vicar Apostolic since 1840.

 7 Sep 1896 – The Chamber of Commerce came out against the Tobacco Ordinance. This ordinance gave the Governor power to control the place & manner in which tobacco could be imported to Gibraltar and stored – including storage hulks in the bay – and to prohibit re-exports by land and to regulate any despatch by sea.

 7 Sep 1933 - City Councillors inspected recently completed Reservoir (No 6) with a capacity of one million gallons. The workmen were given a half-holiday.

 7 Sep 1933 – Three Spaniards made an armed attempt to rob Messrs. Gueret Imossi’s office in Irish Town. They were sentenced to terms of penal servitude.

 7 Sep 1940 – This was the first night of the Blitz on London (and her Yanito evacuees) which ran continuously, every night until 2^nd Nov 1940.

 7 Sep 2004 – Inaugural visit of Queen Mary 2, the world’s most famous liner. QM2 anchored off in the Bay as she is too deep to come alongside North Mole.

 8 Sep 1540 – Corsairs from the Barbary Coast landed in sixteen galleys and sacked Gibraltar, taking away many captives; although many were retaken when the Castillian fleet surprised the corsairs at sea. The inhabitants requested protection from King Carlos 1^st (Emperor Charles Vth) but it was 12 years before he sent Italian engineer Giovanni Battista Calvi to build what we now call Charles Vth Wall.

 8 Sep 1813 – There was an outbreak of Yellow Fever resulting in 889 deaths.

 8 Sep 1874 – The P&O liner Peshawar departed Gibraltar and arrived in Southampton on the 12^th.

 8 Sep 1898 - Sandy Bay tunnel was first used by a locomotive.

 8 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) HMS Arrow brought more refugees from Malaga.

 8 Sep 1950 – Seventeen gun salutes were exchanged when the new C-in-C Med Fleet, Admiral Sir John Edleston, KCB, CBE, paid the customary formal call on the Governor, Sir Kenneth Anderson, at the Convent and H.E. returned the call in HMS Gambia shortly afterwards. A Guard of Honour of 2 officers and 50 men was mounted outside the Convent.

 8 Sep 1959 – A six-wheel Army Scammell heavy recovery vehicle, belonging to Garrison Workshops REME, and towing a trailer loaded with a bulldozer, overturned when taking the dangerous bend at Trafalgar Hill after coming down Europa Road. It came to rest with its wheels in the air opposite the Trafalgar Bar. The driver and two other occupants were trapped inside for some time before being released by passers-by. The driver sustained a cut arm and was admitted to hospital but not detained; the other suffered only bruises. The CFB attended promptly, spraying foam to minimise any fire risk, petrol having been scattered over the road from the wrecked vehicle. A Dockyard mobile crane and a five-ton Army lorry worked for some time to separate the two vehicles. Traffic to and from Rosia had to be diverted.

 8 Sep 1967 – After 188 years of R.E. tunnelling on The Rock, the final tunnel was named Molesend Way today by the H.E. the Governor General Sir Gerard Lathbury.

 8 Sep 1971 – The Chronicle reports: 26 year old naval rating MEM1 William Patrick Houston was killed on Monday evening when he fell 40’ into a dry dock. Another with him was seriously injured. Both were from the frigate Falmouth. The incident happened late in the evening whilst searchlights were lit on other ships in the bay, because of two men trying to swim across to the assault ship Fearless.

 8 Sep 1971 – As part of Fusilier Week, picture shows, regimental silver and trophies of the 3^rd Bttn. The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers have been displayed alongside weapons at the John Mac. Hall. Tomorrow Fusilier Eric Amor will undertake a marathon swim of 460 lengths of the Nuffield Pool and the band of the 3RRF will lead a parade thro’ Main St, his worship the mayor, Mr Alfred Vasquez, taking the salute.

 8 Sep 2000 – The Petrol tanker Concordia 1, leaked petrol all the way from the Bay of Biscay, via the Gulf of Cadiz and through the Strait on its passage from Rotterdam to Sidi Kerir (Egypt) but few people noticed. It was the 5th of such incident this year in the Campo area... none originating in Gibraltar.

 9 Sep 1813 – The capture of San Sebastian from Napoleonic forces, assisted by HM Cutter Nimble (12 guns) commanded by Lieutenant Peter Williams.  Nimble and Constant had previously been employed in the Bidassoa, a dangerous station but valuable to the army.

 9 Sep 1842 – The master of a schooner was fined £400 for landing at Eastern Beach.

 9 Sep 1929 – Arrival of S.S. Guilio Cesare Ballesti carrying 1,100 Italian boy scouts, including two sons of the Duce, Sgr. Mussolini. Some years later in Nov. 1933 she collided with the German steamship Barenfels, in the harbour at Gibraltar. The collision was deemed to be the fault of the German ship; both the Captain & crew were detained along with the ship.

 9 Sep 1933 – A second Intertype and a new fast running Cylinder Press were installed at the Garrison Library printing establishment.

 9 Sep 1934 – Arrival of the White Star liner Doric, having on board 700 members of the Conservative party on a Mediterranean cruise. Lt. Col. the Hon. A.E. Beattie, Colonial Secretary, went on board to meet them. Sir W. & Lady Wormesley, Sir R. & Lady Poppin and others, called on H.E. the Governor, Gen. Sir C.H. Harington at the cottage. The distinguished visitors attended an Andalusian fete at the Assembly Rooms. 

 9 Sep 1936 – The Italian Cruiser Gorizia departed today. She was the 4^th and last of the Zara class of heavy cruisers built for the Regia Marina (Italian Royal Navy) at the OTO yard at Livorno and launched March 1930. Her main battery was 8” (200mm) guns. She had been evacuating Italian Nationals from the Spanish Civil War and on leaving Tangier en route to Italy she had suffered an explosion in an aviation fuel tank which caused major damage. She put into Gibraltar for temporary repairs on 25 Aug, leaving today for La Spezia where permanent repairs would be effected. Gorizia was later involved in the Sp.Civ.War on the Nationalist side and fought against Malta in WW2. She was scrapped in 1947. 

 9 Sep 1939 – No. 202 Squadron was ordered to Gibraltar, loaded to the gunwales with equipment. Shortly after their arrival No. 200 Coastal Group was formed on 25^th Sep. with its headquarters at the Bristol Hotel.

 9 Sep 1977 – The PAG, party for the autonomy of Gibraltar (within Spain) was launched.

 9 Sep 1988 – ‘Iron Lady’ Maggie Thatcher visited Spain, and found the famous battlefield of Talavera, where 5,500 of Wellington's troops died in the Peninsula War, had been converted into a by-pass. According to The Daily Telegraph as bodies were unearthed they were just ploughed back into the ground.

 9 Sep 2004 – The following letter appeared in the Chronicle today: 

Dear Sir, My father was a GoG sponsored patient who underwent an operation at a London hospital; whilst at the hospital he developed complications and passed away. We made arrangements to fly the body back to Gibraltar, however, because of the recent fog the aircraft were being diverted to Malaga airport. For three consecutive days the body of my late father was returned from Malaga airport back to the UK because the Spanish authorities refused to allow the body to be off-loaded since a corpse is considered cargo. What can one say! William John King.

 9 Sep 2005 – Two members of the Gibraltar Regiment, Major Colin Risso and Major John Perez, have been awarded medals for their involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. Major Risso was caught up in a fierce ten minute gun battle, single-handedly defending a US convoy in desperate circumstance in Afghanistan; it earned him the Military Cross. Major Perez, the only British officer to have led a US Marine Corps in Iraq, was awarded the American Bronze Star for meritorious service in a high intensity combat zone.

 10 Sep 1540 – Gibraltar was attacked and overrun by Barbary Corsairs led by Ali Amete and the renegade Caramanli.

 10 Sep 1836 - Sir Alexander Woodford was appointed Governor of Gibraltar.

 10 Sep 1885 - A soup kitchen was established in Town Range.

 10 Sep 1928 – The cadets and officers of the Russian Government training ship Vega were not allowed to enter the town.

 10 Sep 1934 – Intelligence received that the order of the White Rose of Finland has been conferred on Captain R.M. Sheppard-Capurro, Vice Consul of Finland at Gibraltar.

 10 Sep 1956 – An RAF Avro 692 Anson completing a training mission from North Front was on final approach when the crew shut down two engines to simulate a failure. When the landing gear was lowered, the aircraft stalled and crashed into the sea a few hundred yards short of the runway threshold. Both pilots were rescued but the aircraft was lost. It is believed the aircraft’s speed was too low when the undercarriage was lowered, causing it to stall.

 10 Sep 1967 - The Referendum Day - recalled each year by National Day, when 12,000 Gibraltarians voted for continued links with UK and 44 voted for union with Spain.

 10 Sep 1981 – After 40 years in the USA, Picasso’s Guernica was first exhibited in Spain. Picasso forbade its return to Spain until democracy also returned. (still a work in progress)

 10 Sep 1997 - At 3.00am a container with 20,000 kilos of pure cyanide fell from Terminal 2000 into Algeciras harbour. No one in the surrounding region was alerted. (No paso nada).

 10 Sep 2002 – Unveiled by the Chief Mini a day or two ago, the new clock mounted above Watergate House, was seen for the first time by National Day revellers. The £30,000 project to build the clock was sponsored by Lyonnaise des Eaux to mark their 10^th anniversary in business on the Rock. The clock, manufactured by Smith of Derby Ltd, was installed in a clock tower designed by Michael Azzopardi, architect of the original building and the main contractor was Sharrock Shand. The clock is electrically powered with a back-up battery and has over 100 selectable digitised chimes (simulating cast iron bells) and the face is illuminated from behind at night. The chimes sound only between 9.00am and 9.00pm, which must be a great relief to local residents.

 10 Sep 2002 – The GoG issued a new £10 legal tender currency note dated 10^th Sep 2002 to commemorate National Day; which this year moved back to Casemates Square.

 10 Sep 2002 – National Day again, with fine words but little action from GoG. Good speeches from visitors Simon Hughes (Lib Dem), Lord Bethel (Con MEP), Lindsay Hoyle (Chairman all party Gib Group) David Crausby (Lab) and Michael Howard (Con). SDGG spokesman Willie Serfaty described this National Day as “one of the most difficult years in our proud history”.  The Voice of Gibraltar Group’s Sarah Abecasis presented a giant key, the key to Gibraltar’s future, forged from 1000s of house keys donated by the public, as a symbol of Gibraltar’s rights. Beneath a giant Gibraltar flag and the slogan “Self-Determination is Democracy”, Chief Mini Peter Caruana said “that democrats would ignore the referendum called for November…. at their peril!” He was quite masterful… I thought.

 10 Sep 2003 – H.E. the Governor Sir Francis Richards, and his family, celebrated National Day like any Gibraltarian, dressed in red and white and becoming one of us! This was a departure from the past, he becomes the first Governor to take this step and it has to be applauded.

 11 Sep 1777 – General Howe’s British troops, including a regiment from Gibraltar, defeated George Washington’s Continental Army at the Battle of Brandywine Creek, during the American War of Independence. It was a good start… that wasn’t to last.

 11 Sep 1782 - (Gt Siege) There was heavy firing upon the town: from 120 to 200 rounds per hour.

11 Sep 1896 – A serious accident at Catalan Bay Quarries caused the death of a Spanish workman and injuries to seven others.

 11 Sep 1899 - Owing to the appointment of Lt General Sir George White to command the troops in Natal, HE Gen Sir Robert Biddulph was retained as Governor of Gibraltar.

 11 Sep 1925 - Police Sergeant Correa lost control of his bicycle, whilst on duty & was killed.

 11 Sep 1933 – About 850 prominent British politicians and members of the Conservative party and Unionist Association, visited Gibraltar whilst on a cruise in SS Doric. They placed a wreath on the War Memorial.

 11 1934 – A Route March was given by the 1^st Battalion the Berkshire Regiment, on their way to Palestine on board the H.T. Neuralia; (Hired Troopship) took place today. H.E. the Governor Gen. Sir C.H. Harington took the salute at Government House.

 11 Sep 1934 – A contingent of Gibraltar Boy Scouts left for Lisbon to participate in the Colonial Exhibition; they returned on the 1^st October.

 11 Sep 1936 – An extraordinary meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held, in connection with the Housing question.

 11 Sep 1939 - WW2 - Destroyer Wrestler was slightly damaged in a collision with Spanish steamer Nuria R (2733 grt) at Gibraltar.

 11 Sep 1939 - WW2 - Convoy GC1 (less the liner Scythia) arrives safely at Gibraltar along with ocean escort battleship Ramillies and destroyers Fortune, Railleuse and Simoun.

 11 Sep 1960 – From this day in Britain, all cars over 2 years old were required to pass MoT.

 11 Sep 1971 – Tubby Clayton founder of Toc-H is to be presented with a casket by Jock Brown. The casket’s lid is a model of the Rock, the four corners are Redcoats of the 12^th Regiment of Foot relating to the Great Siege and a silver dedication to Tubby is fixed below the crest of Gibraltar.

 11 Sep 1971 – Tracey Pengilley (aged 8) saw a flying object in the sky above Gibraltar at 8.40 pm. “It was very high with a very bright light and too fast to be an airplane.” Tracey observed this phenomenon from o/s 6 Calpe Quarters, Moorish Castle. (Probably a weather satellite)

 11 Sep 1993 - RAF Gibraltar's Last Air Day commenced at 1100am. There were displays by Catalina & Dakota aircraft (the Spitfire broke down en-route) and Tornados.  Buccaneers and Jaguars ‘attacked’ Europa Lighthouse. The RAF Falcons parachute team displayed, as did Harriers, to close the show.

 12 Sep 1779 – The Great Siege began and Queen Charlotte’s Battery (adj. to Tower of Homage) was amongst the first to commence firing its two 12pdrs on the besieging Spaniards. This was Gibraltar’s 14^th or Great Siege, although it had officially started on 29^th June.

 12 Sep 1905 – Today saw the opening of No 2 Dock.

 12 Sep 1934 – News published of the appointment of Colonel W.T. Brooks, M.C. as A.A. and Q.M.G. at Gibraltar vice Brigadier the Hon. D.M. King.

 12 Sep 1936 – The yacht ‘Intombi’ won the Forrestier-Walker Cup.

 12 Sep 1967 – The reaction in London to the Gibraltar referendum: an F&CO spokesman said ‘the government has welcomed the overwhelming decision of the Gibraltarians to retain their link with Britain.’

 12 Sep 1967 – The Spanish gunboat MO 3, nicknamed here Smokey Joe has made an appearance this morning. She anchored in a straight line with the frontier fence at four corners, about 400 yards away. (Though we now know this is actually inside BGTW)

 12 Sep 2002 - The Sunspray team landed a 220kilo Bluefin Tuna from the Strait. The team comprised Alex Desoisa, Mario Porro, Eddie Garcia, Michael Faria and Michael Porro.

 12 Sep 2002 – HMS Edinburgh, a batch three type 42 Destroyer, arrived in port this morning. She is here for bunkers and supplies before patrolling in the Mediterranean.

 12 Sep 2002 – The Spanish Ambassador in Namibia has expressed concern to the British High Commission following the support expressed for Gibraltar at the meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) which is taking place in Namibia this week. Since Spain does not form part of the Commonwealth, it is hardly any business of theirs... but that will not stop them interfering if they think there is some advantage to be gained. On the other hand, if it worries them, it can only be to the good.

 12 Sep 2006 – The second part of the twinning ceremony between Gibraltar and the Borough of Ballymena, County Antrim, took place today. The first part took place in Ballymena City Hall on the 5^th May 2006.  Interestingly, the government is now denying the twinning of Gibraltar with Goole, which happened at least 20 years ago, despite many local people being involved and remembering it well. Let’s hope Ballymena fares better than Goole.

 13 Sep 1782 – The communication between King’s Lines and Queen’s Lines, ordered by Chief Engineer Col. William Green, was completed today.

 13 Sep 1782 - (Gt Siege) Today saw the bombardment of the garrison by the Grand Attack of the floating batteries. The subsequent destruction of the floating batteries afforded quantities of good quality timber to be collected in Gibraltar. The doors to the Convent dining room are made from cedar collected from the wrecks and still show repairs and burn marks from the conflict.

 13 Sep 1804 - A boatman and two foreigners were sentence to receive 75 lashes each for attempting to enter the garrison unprovided with a Bill of Health.

 13 Sep 1934 – A direct parcel post service with the Argentine Republic commenced.

 13 Sep 1936 – San Sebastian, Almargen and Grazalema were captured by the Nationalists.

 13 Sep 1936 –  The sums of £98-7-9, and Ptas. 4,446 were raised for the Poor Refugee Fund and in addition many gifts in kind were given.

 13 Sep 1936 - Disturbances occurred in Irish Town in connection with the intended closure of the Spanish Civil War Refugee Camp, by the Governor, the following morning. Several arrests were made on charges of assaulting the Chief of Police and other police officers.

 13 Sep 1939 - WW2 - A major accident occurred at Casablanca where the French mine laying cruiser La Tour de Auvergne was offloading mines, when a mine being disarmed accidentally exploded causing a chain reaction which destroyed the ship at anchor. Eight officers went missing, two officers were wounded and two hundred ratings killed or missing.  French trawlers Etoile du Matin, Sultan and Marie Merveilleuse were lost and aux. minesweepers Chellah, Goose and Charcot were damaged beyond repair.

 13 Sep 1996 – This Friday the 13^th was an auspicious date for local climber Mario Balloqui and partner Captain Henry Day R.E. Together with two English climbers, Richard Jones, a physicist and Brian Davison, a chemist, the pairs scaled the North Face of the Rock over two days. The first pitch was a repeat of Don Whillans’ 1971 route, as far as St Georges Hall, then a new second pitch along the line of Cornwall’s Hall up to Green Lodge Battery.

 14 Sep 1752 – Today the 3^rd of September instantly became the 14^th, a correction of 11 days, allowing Britain to run in sync with the rest of Europe by introducing the Gregorian calendar to replace the Julian one. A number of people believed they had been swindled out of the 11 days.

 14 Sep 1782 -(Gt Siege) "Red-hot shot set fire to the floating batteries; the enemy ships blowing-up one after another; our sailors, engaged in saving their crews, were fired upon by Spanish soldiers from the shore. There was a procession with captured standards etc from the Mole to South Parade where the governor and principal officers joined in three cheers and presented the sailors with some gold as a reward. The prisoners were encamped at Windmill Hill and wounded taken to the Naval Hospital. "10 Battering ships were destroyed aggregating 164 guns and 4,850 men. Some 350 prisoners were taken. The garrison numbered 5703 rank & file.  The nobles and grandees of Spain, assembled to view the capture, withdrew from the Spanish Camp to convey the news to Philip's court. The captured Spanish Standard was displayed on south parade, reversed and tied to a gun. It is computed that the enemy fired 1,782 shells and upwards of 9000 shot from their batteries, so all together nearly 40,000 rounds were fired in 24hrs.  British losses were 17 killed and 86 wounded.

 14 Sep 1898 - Exchange upon the sovereign 38.70.

 14 Sep 1918 – MH Bland’s Gibel Hamam, requisitioned by the Admiralty as a collier for the duration of the war, was torpedoed and sunk by UB-103 off Abbotsbury, Dorset, about 15 miles south of Portland Bill, whilst on passage from Swansea to France with a cargo of coal. Apparently it is a favourite wreck site amongst south coast divers.

 14 Sep 1923 – Miguel Primo de Rivera became dictator of Spain.

 14 Sep 1924 - An odd tidal phenomenon was observed at Bayside. The tide rose and fell four times in two hours, both in the morning and in the afternoon. A similar occurrence took place on 7^th May 1923. (It may have been reflected waves related to a serious 6.8 earthquake in Erzurum Province, Turkey)

 14 Sep 1934 – An interesting report on the water supply of Gibraltar, issued by the City Council, began to be published in the local press.

 14 Sep 1936 – The (SP. Civ. War) Refugee Camp was closed today; many refugees came into town and installed themselves in the Exchange Lobby and other places. A demonstration took place opposite Government House but it was dissolved quietly.

 14 Sep 1936 – A warning was issued about the demonstration, which took place in connection with the closing of the Refugee Camp and Soup Kitchen, and which will not be tolerated!  As usual…. mis-managed on the day and hard words after the event.

 14 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Bland Liner Gibel Zerjon was again stopped by a Spanish Government warship; the arrival of  HMS Arrow (H42) enabling her to proceed on her voyage.

 14 Sep 1942 – SS Empire Heath, part of convoy OG89, delivered 16 Spitfires and 2 Hurricanes, crated as deck cargo, for re-assembly by the Special Erection Party.

 14 Sep 1957 – An AVRO 696 Shackleton MR 2, Registration WL792, crashed on landing at North Front. Whilst conducting a maritime patrol, two propellers had to be feathered after propeller over-speeding and due to the loss of the hydraulic pressure the crew were unable to lower the landing gear. The aircraft belly landed, skidded down the runway and was damaged beyond repair. The occupants were unhurt.

 14 Sep 1982 – A visiting English couple, Mr John & Barbara Gull were rescued from drowning, after getting into difficulties at Catalan Bay in the Levanter Seas. Mrs Gull became unconscious. They were saved by two Catalan Bay youths Dino Parody (17) and Christopher Riddell (19) and another visiting couple Neville & Lucinda Robertson. The victims were taken to St Bernard’s Hospital where Mrs Gull was detained for observation and later released. The red flag was flying at the time of the incident. 

 14 Sep 1998 – Corrupt tobacco millionaire and Spanish Minister Abel Matutes telephoned bed-hopping British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, asking Britain to ‘take direct control’ to solve the problems with the Spanish fishermen. The Spaniards say their fishermen must be allowed to fish freely, re-iterating their view that Gibraltar has no territorial water. Chief Mini Peter Caruana made it clear that if the fishermen continue to challenge British sovereignty, Gibraltar must defend its waters.  Gibraltar Government insist on a return to the status quo between 1991 -7, when, with the introduction of conservation laws, the fishermen respected British jurisdiction, sovereignty over the waters and the authority of the RGP in enforcement of the ordinance. Now, in 2017, that has still not happened. Every time an RGP launch approaches a fishing boat, the Guardia Civil turn up to interfere, stating they are the authority on waters in the Bay.

 14 Sep 2001 - Deep sea explorers, Odyssey, believe they have found the wreck of a navy flagship carrying treasure estimated at £500M or more. HMS Sussex foundered in a violent storm in 1694 and for the last 300 years has lain off Gibraltar in 3000 ft. She was carrying a million gold piastres; coinage which the salvors reckon at possibly £684M today. The Sussex was the flagship of Rear Admiral Sir Francis Wheeler who set sail for the Mediterranean in 1693, the year the ship was built. The gold piastres were a bribe destined for England’s ally the Duke of Savoy (part of the Grand Alliance against France). From Cadiz the Sussex entered the middle sea and immediately ran into a heavy gale. “These ships weren’t fantastically seaworthy because of the number of guns on board” says Dr Michael Duffy, director of the Centre for Maritime Studies, Exeter University. The Sussex carried 80 cannon weighing more than 1200 tons. When the end came there was no time to rescue men or treasure. All but two of the crew of 550 were lost. The Admiral's body washed up on shore, days later, clad only in his nightshirt.

 15 Sep 1804 – Despite all precautions (including closure of the border with Spain in Aug) malignant fever broke out in Gibraltar and continued until December.  Some 4,864 civilians succumbed as well as 54 officers, 864 soldiers and 164 soldiers’ wives & children. According to Ayala, the surgeons were too busy with the soldiers to attend to civilians nor were any medicines available…. but Ayala was more prejudiced than me.

 15 Sep 1870 - Governor Sir William Fenwick Williams of Kars assumed command of Gibraltar.

 15 Sep 1928 – The Three Brothers, an old historic hulk lying in the harbour since 1885, was sold.

 15 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) The Colonial Hospital Rules were issued. More refugees left for Malaga.

 15 Sep 1936 - Seven tons of Inca gold - the remnant of $400,000 Million worth of Inca treasure secured by Isabella La Catolica - was shipped to Russia for safekeeping during the Spanish Civil War. Spain asked for it back on 5 November 1968 and was refused.

 15 Sep 1942 – SS Empire Cabot & SS Empire Franklin delivered 70 Spitfires, 22 Hurricanes & 5 Hurricane bombers, disassembled in crates, to be rebuilt by the Special Erection Party.

 15 Sep 1997 – The Chief Mini, Peter Caruana, rejected a 100 year lease offer from Spain. When asked by El Pais for his views, he said “in democratic terms, goodwill is shown by recognising the wishes of the people of Gibraltar”. He added “further, sovereignty cannot be leased for 100 years or any other period. The Gibraltarian people want good relations with Spain but not integration with Spain’s constitutional framework”…. Well said Peter.

 16 Sep 1497 - Spain captured Melilla from Morocco and it remains their colony to this day.

 16 Sep 1862 – Saw the arrival of a Portuguese Squadron.

 16 Sep 1876 – A trader was captured in Gibraltar waters by Spanish escampavia.  The Port launch succeeded in getting the trader freed.

 16 Sep 1895 - A quarantine of fourteen days was enforced on arrivals from Tangier because of a cholera epidemic there.

 16 Sep 1933 – Union Jacks were flown at half-mast on Government House and public buildings as a mark of respect on the occasion of the funeral for King Faisal of Iraq, who had died on the 8^th in Bern, Switzerland. He had famously played a major part in the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. (Assisted by Lawrence of Arabia)

 16 Sep 1934 – The sudden death of a man near the Assembly Rooms.

 16 Sep 1936 – The arrival of the First Lord of the Admiralty and Lady Hoare with official calls being exchanged with H.E. the Governor. After inspection of Naval Establishments the distinguished visitors departed in the Yacht Enchantress.

 16 Sep 1936 – (Sp.Civ.War) HMS Anthony brought more refugees from Malaga including 40 nuns. This A Class destroyer was building a reputation; at Dunkirk in WW2 she rescued an amazing 3000 people.

 16 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Telegraphic communications between Cadiz and Gibraltar were restored.

 16 Sep 1960 – An 18 hole miniature golf course in the Alameda was officially opened by the Mayor, Joshua Hassan, in the presence of representatives of the heads of services, Legislative and City Councillors and all connected with the tourist industry. It remained in place for 30 years until the run-down Alameda was totally refurbished.

 16 Sep 2002 – Views of the Rock; another philatelic world record, was released today. This first day cover and presentation pack of Gibraltar stamps are the first anywhere to use ground-up particles of the Rock to produce a set of low-relief 3D stamps. The idea was Chris Riddell’s, the photos were Anselmo Torres’ and the new thermography technique was developed by Cartor Security Printers, in France.

 17 Sep 1480 - The Holy Inquisition opened an office in Pitman's Alley.

 17 Sep 1870 – HMS Rapid, a Rosario class wooden hulled screw driven sloop was approaching Gibraltar on a passage from Tarragona. A boy fell from the main yard-arm and struck his head on the gunwale of one of the boats before landing in the sea, insensible.  Sub-Lt. William Balfour Forbes at once, and in the dark, jumped overboard and seized him, and persisted in keeping him up at risk to his own life until a ship’s boat was lowered to pick them up. Sub-Lt Forbes was quite exhausted and with the boy was underwater; a minute later and both would have drowned.

 17 Sep 1903 – The inauguration of the Empire Theatre (at the SW corner of Alameda) took place with a performance of Verdi's Othello, by an Italian Theatre Company from Madrid.

 17 Sep 1914 - Gazette No 36 –

 17 Sep 1924 – Today saw the last meeting of the City Council at Convent Place Boardroom. The first meeting in the new City Hall took place on 24^th Sept.

 17 Sep 1934 – The Devil’s Tower Road was closed to traffic for certain hours (until the 28^th) whilst aerial wires of North Front Wireless Station were removed and replaced.

 17 Sep 1935 – Today saw the arrival of HMS Renown, Orion, Neptune and Achilles and other units. This measure was due to tension prevailing in the Mediterranean in connection with the Italo-Abyssinian dispute.

 17 Sep 1963 - Hassan and Isola flew to New York to address UN for the first time. (The current joke was that the three Peters flew into New York, namely; Pitaluga (civil servant), Peter Isola Leader of Opposition and El Que Pita (Sir Joshua)

 17 Sep 1997 - Melilla celebrated 500th anniversary as a Spanish colony.

 17 Sep 2002 – A frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy arrived this afternoon. HMCS Montreal is a Halifax class frigate commissioned in 1994 and has called for bunkers.

 17 Sep 2004 – After diplomatic pressure from Spain, and despite reassurances to the contrary, HMG has agreed to Gibraltar’s exclusion from the EU Borders Agency. The role of the agency is to help member states monitor the EU’s land & sea borders (and airports) and to boost exchange of information on border security, and training of border officials. Since we are excluded, the (de facto) European border will be La Linea’s frontier with Gib.

 17 Sep 2007 – Mr Justice Schofield, Chief Justice of Gibraltar since 1996, was suspended (on full pay) pending the enquiry into his removal from office. It follows a series of disputes, starting with the new 2006 Constitution Order and continuing disagreements with the Chief Mini Peter Caruana. On the 18 November 2008 the Governor referred the matter to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council whose 4:3 majority judgement was delivered on 12 November 2009. On the 17 November, the Governor, Sir Adrian Johns, dismissed Mr Schofield.

 18 Sep 1781 - (Gt Sge) A shell fired from San Carlos Battery entered a house and injured the Town Major, who subsequently died, and two other officers.

 18 Sep 1879 - Manuel Perera found dead below Devils Gap Battery.

 18 Sep 1887 - Funeral of a (Chinese) sailor who belonged to the Chinese Squadron, recently arrived from Portsmouth.

 18 Sep 1906 – The USS Maryland, Captain R.R. Ingersoll arrived at 1400 direct from Newport, Rhode Island.  The ship spent all the next day coaling, then cleaned up and left on the 20^th. This was taken from the Navy Diaries of 18 year old Fred Sanford Rice.

 18 Sep 1923 – Sir Charles Monro arrived to take up his duties as Governor.

 18 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Spanish Government trawlers attacked La Tunara, with a further attack made on the 19^th.

 18 Sep 1942 - Beginnings of AACR; though its roots were pre-war.

 18 Sep 1971 – An inquest was held into the death of a person unknown, whose bones were found at the entrance to a cave on Governor’s beach, by servicemen on exercise. The body was minus the skull, but was a male of 5’4”–5’ 6” aged around 25 years and death had occurred between 20–50 years beforehand. The Coroner, John Alcantara issued a burial certificate.

 18 Sep 1982 – General Sir William Jackson, whose extended tour as Governor will end on 4^th October, had this to say: “This is the Rock of the Gibraltarians; Gibraltarians have lived, bred and prospered here for 300 years – longer than the United States has existed. The Rock is your home and your wishes are PARAMOUNT in its future political status”. Sir William went on; “In considering the Gibraltar problem, the world must judge between a small people’s right to their home and a large country’s emotional urge to recover an ancient fortress which it once held, but has now become the Gibraltarians’ home. I believe that the solution can only come about when Spain is ready to accept the importance of the wishes of the people… As far as the Gibraltar government is concerned, it should be at liberty to call such a test of opinion whenever considered necessary…” 

 18 Sep 1990 – IRA Provos attempted to kill ex-Gibraltar Governor, Sir Peter Terry, at his home in the UK. They fired through a window, hitting him at least nine times. His wife Betty was also hit, near the eye, both survived. This was retaliation for Operation Flavius in which Sir Peter authorised the SAS to pursue provisional IRA members.

 18 Sep 2002 – 43 Taxi drivers were arrested today for demonstrating (against Bland’s) at the Port during a cruise ship visit. The Port Captain informed the men that they were failing to comply with his directions and obstructing the Police, by handing out leaflets and carrying banners. Around 4pm those taxi drivers who had not been arrested staged a vigil outside New Mole House. Around and hour later the arrested men were bailed out. The following morning, all the arrested drivers were individually cautioned and released without charge.

 18 Sep 2002 – The powerboat Spirit of Cardiff sank this week on the final leg of her 25,000 mile round the world record attempt to beat the 74 days set by Cable & Wireless Adventurer, from Gibraltar to Gibraltar.

 18 Sep 2002 – Two additional patrol craft have been delivered to the Gibraltar Squadron. The two Lifespan Patrol Vessels (LPVs) recently surplus to requirements in Northern Ireland are said to be more capable than the P2000s Ranger & Trumpeter currently on station. This winter the crews will train on the new vessels, allowing Ranger & Trumpeter to be returned to the UK for re-tasking. 

 18 Sep 2005 – Gibraltar took part in the Clean-up-the-World campaign this weekend. Scores of volunteers collected over 40 tons of rubbish (in 1000 bin bags) from sites all over the Rock. The highly successful clean-up was organised by the Environmental Safety Group (the ESG).

 18 Sep 2006 - Cordoba Agreement: The British and Spanish foreign ministers and the Chief Minister of Gibraltar met at the Palacio de Viana, Cordoba and announced the following:

1. Spain agrees to recognise Gibraltar's IDC (+350) and allow global roaming. 

2. Spanish restrictions on civil flights at the airport will be removed. A new terminal building will also be constructed, allowing direct passage to & from the north side of the fence/frontier fence. (In order to overcome problems of terminology relating to references to the word frontier or fence, the phrase fence/frontier is used in documents).

3. There will be normality of traffic flow at the fence/frontier.

4. Britain agrees to pay up-rated pensions to those Spanish citizens who lost their livelihoods when the border was unilaterally closed by Francisco France in 1969.

5. A branch of the Instituto de Cervantes will be opened in Gibraltar.

This agreement is seen as a major milestone in Gibraltar's history... by some... We kept our part of the bargain but the Spaniards reneged ... no surprise there.

19 Sep 1708 – An Anglo-Dutch army commanded by Sir John Leake accompanied by Gen. James Stanhope took the island of Minorca, in 9 days. (Minorcan Navy was in a pitiful state.)

 19 Sep 1781 (Gt Siege) A shot fired from the Spanish lines entered the Town Major’s house, collapsing a wall onto that officer and two others of the 39^th Foot. Major Burke’s leg was badly broken in the blast; an injury that proved fatal. Captain Fowlis of the 73^rd was subsequently appointed Town Major.

 19 Sep 1802 – There was a violent thunderstorm in which four ships of a British squadron in the bay were damaged by lightning.

 19 Sep 1855 - Illumination in honour of the fall of Sebastopol (Crimean War)

 19 Sep 1914 - A Gibraltar Prize Court sat for the first time.

 19 Sep 1936 – The Nationalists captured Ronda where many atrocities had been committed previously.

 19 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Heavy cruiser HMS Shropshire, (1928, Beardmores, Scotland) brought refugees from Malaga. Between 22 August and 16 September she had supported the evacuation of refugees from Barcelona; she remained in the Mediterranean until the outbreak of WW2.

 19 Sep 1964 – The first Chief Minister; Sir Joshua Hassan and the first leader of the opposition Peter Isola were appointed. (Skulduggery by Russo)

 20 Sep 1823 – The Baltimore papers report that ‘Mr Nelson, America’s Minister to Spain, left Gibraltar on board the frigate USS Congress, 38 guns, Capt Biddle, for Cadiz. As the Congress approached Cadiz she was met by a French frigate who informed Capt Biddle that the port was blockaded. The Congress proceeded to the anchorage and sent a lieutenant to advise the French commander of the public character of the person on board, the landing of whom was the sole object of entry. The entry was still refused and the minister was obliged to return to Gibraltar. The refusal was considered an infringement of the rights of ambassadors and nations... and France had insulted the United States  

 20 Sep 1854 – The Battle of Alma was fought in the Crimean War resulting in 6 (retrospective) VCs.

 20 Sep 1875 - A gun fired from the Signal Station raised the alarm when a Spanish Guardacosta seized a French Falucho (felucca) in British waters. In the ensuing fracas a Spaniard was killed instantly by a shot to the head. Both vessels were brought into port by an armed steam-launch from the dockyard.

 20 Sep 1876 - New garrison orders were issued because of constant overhauling of British vessels by Spanish Guardacosta in Gibraltar waters. The orders empowered the artillery to fire warning shots and otherwise, if no notice was taken, direct firing to be resorted to.

 20 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) The U.S.S. Hatfield brought refugees from Malaga.

 20 Sep 1936 – The Murto Cricket Cup was won by Old Line Wallians.

 20 Sep 1971 – Spanish Ambassador to the UN, Don Jaime de Pinies, handed a note of protest to UN General Sec. U Thant, expressing Spain’s strong disapproval of the visit to Gibraltar by British Foreign Sec. Sir Alec Douglas Home, who is the first serving Foreign Secretary to visit the Rock. “A visit which manifests the persistence of colonial domination by a foreign power over a piece of Spanish territory”… said Don Jaime, in a fit of apoplexy.

 20 Sep 2001 – Gibraltar is being excluded from the Single European Sky package of measures. The introduction of Single Sky has been held up by Anglo-Spanish differences over Gibraltar. At a news conference the Chief Mini, Peter Caruana, said he “roundly condemns this further failure on the part of the British Government to uphold Gibraltar’s EU rights and political interests in the face of pressure from Spain. It should be recalled” he added “that the British Government recently said that it would be wrong, as a matter of principle, for Gibraltar to be systematically excluded from such measures… but the British Government had now agreed to do so”. It seems (to me) that whenever the Spaniards push… the F&CO drop their trousers.

 20 Sep 2002 – A group of Jyske Bank employees en route to Denmark for the weekend had an exciting start to their journey when a seabird was ingested into an engine of their BA jet, on take-off. A passenger said it made a grinding noise rather like an electric pencil sharpener and it was eventually discovered that four turbine blades had been broken. The aircraft continued on a single engine, before making an emergency landing at Malaga. BA & Monarch have both been unlucky this year; this was a second major bird strike and one of Monarch’s 757s spent several months here under repair after a heavy landing.  

 20 Sep 2002 – HMS Ark Royal arrived for a three day visit, leading an international task force on a central Mediterranean deployment code named Argonaut 2002. The task force included Dutch assault vessel HNLMS Rotterdam and Belgian Frigate Westdiep. Other British ships in the task force included; Type42 Destroyer HMS Southampton, the mines countermeasures vessels HMS Blyth, Brocklsby, Bangor & Sandown, logistics landing ships RFAs Sir Galahad & Sir Bedivere, replenishment ship RFA Fort Victoria and tanker RFA Orangeleaf. A Royal Marines element is embarked and support aircraft include FA2 Harriers, Sea King & Merlin Helicopters. Commodore Jamie Miller - who was brought up in Gibraltar - leads the Task Force, flying his broad pennant in Ark Royal, commanded by Captain Alan Massey. A NATO exercise Destined Glory 02 will be a main focus of Argo 02. Personnel armed with SA 80s were deployed around the naval base to protect Ark Royal.

 21 Sep 1885 - Deadman's Lane was closed to the public.

 21 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Over 200 refugees left for Estepona and Malaga by Spanish Government vessel.

 21 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) HMS Worcester brought refugees from Malaga.

 21 Sep 1964 – Malta celebrated her independence from 164 years of British rule.

 21 Sep 1934 – Today saw the arrival of a Ford Caravan from Malaga, having completed a 10,000 mile reliability demonstration. The Govnr. Sir C.H. Harington inspected the vehicle.

 21 Sep 1935 - A pamphlet, published by the office of the Colonial Secretary advised on precautions to be taken during Air Raid or Gas Attack, causing great excitement in town.

 21 Sep 1956 – We received a visit from HRH Princess Margaret.

 21 Sep 1984 – According to intelligence reports reaching US officials: A Soviet Victor I class (nuclear) submarine was in collision with a Soviet merchant ship in the Strait of Gibraltar and is now steaming slowly on the surface with a badly damaged bow. The collision left the merchant ship in distress and it may be in danger of sinking. Officials could not identify the ship. Nor did they know if the two vessels were travelling in company or whether it was a coincidence that both were Soviets. The vessels were subsequently identified as I Class submarine K53 which had to go to Tunisia for repairs and the MV Bratstvo which was towed to Spain and scrapped.

 21 Sep 1998 – Spanish fishermen have been offered a plan (via the British Embassy Madrid) that would allow them to fish in BGTW. The plan entails a 200 metre coastal exclusion zone and a maximum limit of 8x boats of which only 2x fish at any time. The fisherman rejected the offer saying they had no intention of abandoning their fishing grounds extending from N. Mole to Rosia. The fishermens’ leader Pedro Maza, described as ‘criminal’ the attitude of one of the Gibraltar patrol boats, which Governor Sir Richard Luce has pointed out, have been showing great restraint in the face of provocation.

 21 Sep 2001 – In a display of anger the Chief Mini Peter Caruana has boycotted a conference at the F&CO, to be held in London next week. The UK’s decision to allow Gibraltar to be excluded from Single Sky has angered everybody on the Rock and Peter is signalling this to the British Government…. anyone might think that they intend to be rid of us, soon.

 21 Sep 2001- Calpe Lodge No 325 (Irish Constitution) celebrated 175^th anniversary today by holding an historical exhibition and Masonic Hall Open Day. It was the first stationary Irish Masonic Lodge in Gibraltar, with a warrant issued in 1826. The Governor and Chief Minister- and their wives - were among honoured guests.

 21 Sep 2015 - The University of Gibraltar - our first - opened in a new complex built around the Defensible Barracks at Europa Point.

 22 Sep 1868 – The Alcalde of Algeciras, Gaspar de Segura, died at the Civil Hospital. He was one of the first victims of the revolution in Spain.

 22 Sep 1922 - Raisuli finally submitted to the Spanish authorities bringing hostilities in the western part of Spanish Morocco to an end. (Rif War)

  22 Sep 2008 - It was announced that the remaining Iberia flights to Madrid would cease operation at the end of Septemebr 2008 due to economic reasons, namely lack of demand. (Air Andalus opened a service in May 2009 but that service ceased in 2010 when they lost their licence.)    

 23 Sep 1779 – Scots born American John-Paul Jones commanded the Bonhomme Richard to dramatic victory against the British Serapis and Countess of Scarborough in a battle in the North Sea off Flamborough Head. Jones declared “I have not yet begun to fight!”

 23 Sep 1856 – The Stone Jetty near Bayside Barrier was declared open to the public.

 23 Sep 1890 – A general strike of coal heavers in Gibraltar was declared.

 23 Sep 1936 – A Government Notice was published as to the residence in Gibraltar of British subjects from La Linea.

 23 Sep 1959 – The first woman Legislative Councillor Dorothy Ellicott took office. One of the things that Mrs Ellicott was famous for, was sending the Generalissimo a small piece of Gibraltar rock with a note saying; “Look after this, it’s the only piece of Gibraltar that you will ever get your hands on.”

 23 Sep 1988 - Mrs Thatcher, speaking in Madrid, said "Britain must honour its pledges over Gibraltar." She added that no change would be made to The Rock’s status without the agreement of the Gibraltarians.

 23 Sep 2001 – A team from the Maltese Heritage Trust, led by Mario Farrugia, recently measured parts of Gibraltar’s 100 ton gun and related machinery. Their purpose was to prepare the replication of missing parts from their 100 ton gun at Fort Rinella, Malta which is under the stewardship of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (Maltese Heritage Trust). They have a heritage interpretation group who regularly re-enact Victorian garrison life at the Fort.

 24 Sep 1924 - City Council met at City Hall for first time; previously meetings had been held at Convent Place.

 24 Sep 1936 – The French SS P.L.M. 17 (Paris-Lyon-Mediterranie Rlwy Co.) landed two members of the crew of a Nationalist ‘plane that had fallen into the sea. PLM had been one of the first French railway companies in the 1850s but was only to exist as a railway and steamship line for two more years before nationalization made it part of the SNCF.

 24 Sep 1835 – The death occurred in London of Earl of Chatham, Governor of Gibraltar.

 24 Sep 1872 - Heavy fall of rain, just under 6" fell; troops in Orange Bastion being up to their knees in water.

 24 Sep 1882 – There was an illumination for the cessation of hostilities in Egypt.

 24 Sep 1925 – Today saw the resignation of Louis Lyautey, the French Resident in Morocco.

 24 Sep 1934 – There was a General Strike at Algeciras, all ferry and motorbus services being stopped; it lasted until the 28^th.

 24 Sep 1969 – During this week a large British fleet was deployed to the Bay, consisting of aircraft carriers HMS’ Eagle and Bulwark; destroyers HMS’ Hampshire, Diana, Cavalier, London and Caprice; frigates HMS’ Duncan, Cleopatra, Torquay, Leander and Danae; the corvette HMS Aurora and the submarine HMS Astute. The total manpower deployed amounted to some 10,000 men. There were also a number of unidentified (as yet) Dutch warships. It was believed by the Spaniards that this was a show of force in defiance of Franco’s threats to Gibraltar. The MoD stated that the ships were assembled ahead of a NATO exercise in the Med. Both are probably true. In response to the ‘escalation’ the Spanish Navy placed a squadron before the Rock consisting of the cruiser Canarias (Flagship), the aircraft carrier Dedalo, and the destroyers Jorge Juan, Almirante Valdes, Lepanto and Alava. In Gibraltar and around the Campo, people feared the worst. Pero, no passar nada… but one week later the border was closed.

 24 Sep 2001 – A 22 year old Gibraltar Regiment soldier, Private Christian Wink, died in a road traffic accident whilst with the Regiment on exercise in Morocco.

 24 Sep 2004 – HMS Invincible & HMS Manchester arrived for the weekend on their way to take part in a major NATO exercise off Sardinia. They will be joined by HMS Southampton.

 24 Sep 2005 – A nuclear submarine, HMS Trenchard, arrived in Gibraltar for a routine visit shortly after participating in an exercise in the North Atlantic. As usual the Spaniards objected. The Spanish opposition party, the Partido Pomposo, stated that they ‘intend to present a motion at the next Mancommunidad session calling for an end to the presence of nuclear submarines in Gibraltar.’  The submarine was last here a year ago and will continue to be welcomed.

 25 Sep 1779 - (Great Siege) Fresh provisions very dear; ducks at 7/- (shillings) each.

 25 Sep 1872 - Heavy rainfall 5 inches fell... check this against 24th.

 25 Sep 1922 – H.E. Sir Horace Lockwood Smith-Dorrien opened the reconstructed Exchange Building, previously damaged by fire in October 1919. Illumination of the building took place that night.

 25 Sep 1928 – A 20 foot wall collapsed at Sananes Yard; no one was injured.

 25 Sep 1931 - Exchange which had been at Pts 52.50 on the 22nd, dropped today to Pts 39.00 by daily steps of Pts 4, 2 & 5.

 25 Sep 1934 - Lady Mosley, of Gibraltar, but residing at Campamento, was robbed of jewellery to the value of £100.

  25 Sep 1935 – The arrival of a detachment of RAF aircraft saw aerial exercises over the Rock at night.

 25 Sep 1936 – (Sp.Civ.War) Two residents of Gibraltar were arrested in La Linea for attempting to export Spanish silver.

25 Sep 1939 - No. 200 Coastal Group was formed as a subordinate formation to HQ RAF Mediterranean in control of No. 202 Squadron. The Group's function was to control RAF units operating from Gibraltar. At the end of 1940 the Group was transferred to Coastal Command. Later a combined HQ was formed that began to function in early 1942.

 25 Sep 1940 – Vichy news reports; ‘It is officially stated that retaliating for the Dakar incident, a large number of ‘planes dropped 45 tons of bombs on Gibraltar, hitting the arsenal, the south mole and one big ship. Heavy smoke was observed. The bombs caused far greater damage than any past Italian or German raid, and it will not be the last reprisal if the British continue to shell Dakar.’ Berlin news reports; ‘The News Agency stated that French ‘planes continued bombing Gibraltar this morning.’ 

25 Sep 1940 – London news reports; ‘It is reported from Gibraltar that one hundred French ‘planes, from Morocco, on Tuesday afternoon subjected the Rock to the most severe attack it has suffered since the outbreak of war. The attackers dropped about three hundred bombs of various sizes. Many bombs fell in the sea or on barren areas. Buildings, roads and the old defences at Gibraltar were considerably damaged. There was little damage done, however, to the military works or personnel. A small ship was hit and sunk. There were a number of civilian casualties, some of them being fatal. The British anti-aircraft guns shot down three ‘planes or possibly five’planes. 

 25 Sep 1940 – The armed trawler HMS Stella Sirius was sunk alongside the mole by a bomb from a Vichy French aircraft during an air raid. (see We Weep No More)

 25 Sep 1940 – Vichy news reports; ‘French officials here declared that the British battleship Renown, hit during the French air-raid on Gibraltar, was compelled to leave the port.’

 25 Sep 1946 - Armed merchant cruiser HMS Cheshire (built 1927 by Fairfield, Glasgow) arrived at Gibraltar with residents who had been evacuated to Northern Ireland in 1940. The Cheshire had previously belonged to the Bibby Line and had a distinguished war service, including being torpedoed on two occasions and taking part in the D Day landings. She was returned to Bibby in 1948 and in 1953 transported British troops to the Korean War.

 25 Sep 1971 – H.E. the Governor, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Varyll Begg presented the Gibraltar Regiment with the colours on behalf of HM the Queen. Later the Regiment marched the colours in Main Street to receive the Freedom of the City.

 25 Sep 1971 – The award of the 1st Colours & Freedom of City to Gibraltar Regiment coincided with a visit from Sir Alec Douglas Home, first ever Foreign Secretary to visit Gibraltar.

 25 Sep 1971- Fusilier Eric Amor, who was unsuccessful in his attempt to swim across the strait last month, will have another crack at it on Thursday. A new course will be worked out because of the strong currents. 

 25 Sep 1971 – “Mine is a community of 125 families and I rather doubt that you can send a community to court!” These were the words of Victor Bendahan, President of the Transit Centre Committee, adding that they had put their case in the hands of a lawyer. The two Transit Centres, 15 Town Range and the old RASC Bakery, house Gibraltarian families, who five years ago were given the option by Spain, to reside in Spain or work in Gibraltar in which case they would lose all rights in Spain. Mr Bendahan complained that the government had put rents up out of all proportion, ranging from 100 to 260% in some cases, because those concerned do not wish to have electricity meters installed – believing that if this is done, they will never be re-housed.

 25 Sep 2002 – A planned co-operation meeting between the ports of Gibraltar and Algeciras was cancelled because the Capitania de Puerto (Sp. Gov Dept.) insisted it could not go ahead unless a UK government official was present. For us this was a local matter to look at things like co-operation on pollution but the Junta of Andalucia sought to use it for political leverage. This attitude makes it very difficult to progress on any local co-operation.

 26 Sep 1816 - Certain duties and rates were applied solely for the support and maintenance of the Civil Hospital.

 26 Sep 1845 - Three prisoners escaped.

 26 Sep 1873 - Spanish frigates Almansa and Vitoria which had arrived on 2nd September flying the Red Ensign (on account of having been taken by Admiral Yelverton) and escorted by HMS Swiftsure and Triumph, were handed over to Admiral Lobo.

 26 Sep 1906 - Arrival of R/Adm. JEC Goodrich, Adm. Superintendent succeeding R/Adm. Sir Edward Chichester (9^th Baronet) who had died at The Mount, aged 56, on 17th September.

 26 Sep 1918 – The USS Tampa, a US Coastguard Cutter, having previously escorted 18 successful convoys, was conveying 32 merchant ships from Catalan Bay, Gibraltar to Liverpool, UK, was then torpedoed by a German submarine UB-91 in UK waters. The crew were well liked on the Rock whose people were dismayed by her loss.

 26 Sep 1924 – Today saw the departure of Mr A.C. Greenwood, Colonial Treasurer, after 27 years service in the Colony. Ten years earlier he had overseen the cash crisis in Gibraltar caused by the outbreak of war with Germany. A lack of public confidence had caused a run on the banks; who had insufficient to cash to meet it. On the 4^th August, the Governor Sir Herbert Miles asked the UK for an emergency loan of £100 but was turned down. On the 5^th August he decided to print Gibraltar bank notes for which he turned to Beanland-Malin.

 26 Sep 1934 – The publication of City Council estimates for the construction of a new fresh water reservoir (No. 8) of 1Million gallons capacity at a cost of £13,100.

 26 Sep 1936 – The final of the Command Lawn Tennis Championship; H.E. the Governor presented the prizes.

 26 Sep 1939 - WW2 - The first of the Gibraltar - UK convoys, HG1, departed the Rock with 27 ships and local escort provided by destroyers Grenville, Gipsy, Griffin and Grenade. Polish destroyer Blyskawica and light cruise Colombo joined the escort. HG 1 arrived safely at Devonport on 5th October.

 26 Sep 1939 - WW2 - Convoy HGF1 left Gibraltar with steamers Scythia, Orford, Memnon and Orcades with no escort. They arrived safely in Liverpool on 1st October.

 26 Sep 1940 – London news reports; ‘During the French air raid on Gibraltar on Tuesday, some of the bombs fell on La Linea. It is reported from La Linea that the French ‘planes circled round the Rock in waves of ten for 125 minutes. Smoke enveloped the Gibraltar arsenal. Flames leapt from the naval base and many fires were observed. The Havas Agency reports that a hundred tons of bombs were dropped on Gibraltar yesterday.’

 26 Sep 1940 – London news reports; ‘The German News Agency reports that Gibraltar’s military barracks and other military objectives, also its anti aircraft defences on the piers have been destroyed. The Governor of Gibraltar is reported to have ordered its evacuation so as to prevent overcrowding of its air raid shelters.’

  26 Sep 1942 – An Armstrong Whitworth AW.38 Whitley, Reg. G-AGCI, operated by BOAC, took off from North Front for a test flight after a maintenance procedure. Whilst in the initial climb the aircraft went out of control and crashed in the sea. The aircraft was destroyed and all four crew were killed. The crew were P/O Philip R Dean, Sgt. Samuel D J Cunrock, Captain Charles G K Browne and Ronald S Mallet.

 26 Sep 2004 – At around 1245pm, the cruise liner Van Gogh collided with the Greek crude carrier Spetses - who was carrying 139,000 tons of crude oil – in thick fog just 1.5 nautical miles off Rosia Bay. The 15,000 ton liner had just left Gibraltar and was carrying 492 passengers and a crew of 228. No one was hurt. The liner returned to Gibraltar for repairs at Cammell Laird and for the Captain of the Port’s investigation. The tanker was towed to the refinery. Both vessels were travelling too fast for the conditions and failed to keep a proper lookout.

 27 Sep 1860 – In Gibraltar this night, a volunteer of the Garibaldian Legion, being intoxicated, fell overboard and would have drowned but for the prompt conduct of Captain C. Goldsmit of the IS Melazzo, who immediately jumped overboard dived and supported him until assistance came. Garibaldi was assembling an International Legion bringing together different national divisions of French, Poles, Swiss, Germans and others with a view to not just finishing the liberation of Italy, but also of their homelands. It would become a reality on 5^th October 1860. The British volunteers (Legione Brittanica) recruited by a Major Miles were referred to as Garibaldi Excursionists to avoid diplomatic problems and they joined the Expedition of the Thousand and fought for the unification of Italy. The British sailed from UK in the Melazzo and Emperor and landed at Naples on 15^th October.

 27 Sep 1887 – A collision occurred between two schooners off Europa Light House.

 27 Sep 1899 – The British iron-screw steamer Orsini arrived at New York from Gibraltar. She reports having passed an iceberg which had apparently been disastrous to a passing vessel. A deep indentation, such as would be caused by the prow of a ship, was visible in the side of the mass and wreckage lay about its base. 

 27 Sep 1923 – H.E. the governor Sir Charles Monroe unveiled the Gibraltar War Memorial at the Line Wall Esplanade.

 27 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) Today saw the arrival of the light cruiser USS Raleigh, flagship of Rear Admiral Arthur P. Fairfield. Official calls were exchanged on the 29^th. Raleigh was part of a special temporary squadron, 40-T, tasked with evacuating American citizens from the Spanish Civil War area.

 27 Sep 1936 – (Sp.Civ.War) Today, Toledo was captured by the Nationalists: The heroic defence of the Alcazar of Toledo by a party of Nationalists created world wide admiration. Celebrations were held in the neighbourhood and all over Nationalist Spain. It began on July 21^st when about 1000 Civil and Assault Guard, Falangists and infantry cadets under General Jose Moscardo Ituarte, retreated into the stone fortress of the Alcazar after three days of street battles. They took their families with them and a few hundred women and children (mostly from leftist families) as hostages. They remained under siege until today when Toledo fell to the Nationalists. Around 100 militia men tried to stop the Nationalist entering the city but were killed by Legionaires and Moroccan mercenaries. The Nationalists murdered the doctors and nurses of the hospital of Toledo and unarmed, wounded, militia men were killed in their beds. It turned out that the Alcazar hostages taken by Moscardo had been killed at the beginning of the siege; which is why he had refused to hand them over on September 9^th.          Some heroes… Eh?

 27 Sep 1939 - WW2 - The Cable ship Retriever, escorted by destroyer Velox, departed Gibraltar to carry out repairs at 36 58N, 08 26W and at 36 06N, 07 30W.

 27 Sep 1997 - The Sunday Telegraph stated; ‘The British Government is to send naval reinforcement from the Fisheries Protection Fleet to defend waters around Gibraltar against Spanish fishermen in a rapidly escalating row over sovereignty.’ More than twenty years later, we are still waiting upon their arrival.

 27 Sep 2004 – A spectacular fire broke out at the CEPSA refinery shortly before 1pm. The smoke was clearly visible from Gibraltar, causing concern on both sides of the frontier. A refinery spokesman said the ‘small fire’ was classed emergency level 1 and was not toxic to the population ‘as it had been caused by a leak of crude oil which had been ignited.’ Their classification system goes up to level 2 & 3 depending on the magnitude of the fire.

 28 Sep 1754 - Population count indicates 4515 military, 1810 civilians.

 28 Sep 1867 - In connection with the Abyssinian Expedition, mules brought in from Spain were purchased by Deputy Commissary General.

 28 Sep 1899 – Today saw the arrival of 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards.

 28 Sep 1936 – The Spanish Consulate moved from Scud Hill to Library Ramp

 28 Sep 2005 – The death occurred in Spain of Lt-Commander (Retired) Leslie Ayling, who was well known in Gibraltar. After a career in the Royal Navy, then management of the Joint Services Club, Leslie found fame and fortune as an estate agent, notably Punta Almina, Sabinillas & Aldea Beach then later Sotogrande. He succumbed to cancer today, aged 76.  

 29 Sep 1822 – “About six o’clock in the morning two slight shocks took place, in a direction from north to south. They lasted about thirty seconds and occasioned some trifling damage to the walls and ceilings of some buildings”. This observation was recorded by Sir James Fellowes, in his Reports on the Epidemic.

 29 Sep 1899 – The departure of 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards to the UK.

 29 Sep 1890 - The hearing of a case against Mr Buckle, Colonial Engineer, for contempt of court in removing certain documents from the Supreme Court. Proceedings were stayed pending further official investigation.

 29 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) At 0630 this morning, naval actions took place to the E. & W. of Gibraltar when Nationalist heavy cruiser Canarias and light cruiser Almirante Cervera sank the Spanish Government destroyer Almirante Ferrandiz (D22) and badly damaged the destroyer Gravina. The two government destroyers were blockading the strait, Gravina off Cape Spartel and Ferrandiz off Ceuta. Ferrandez was pursued into the Alboran, in a 40 minute exchange of fire, where the 2^nd salvo of Canarias’ main guns caused her to explode and sink, having been hit six times. 31 crewmen were picked up by Canarias and 26 including the Captain, by the French liner Koutubia.  The Gravina was hit twice by Cervera but managed to escape along the North African coast towards Casablanca. This unequal engagement is known as the Battle of Cape Spartel and it opened the strait for the Nationalists. Incidentally all these warships were of British design.

 29 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) 50 Spanish refugees arrived on board Italia di Navigazione Liner Neptunia.

 29 Sep 1936 – (Sp Civ War) There was a special meeting of the Exchange Committee where it was decided to warn refugees using the lobby of what is now HoA to 'vacate the same by 2^nd Oct.' The order was complied with.

 29 Sep 1940- Whilst at sea the Italian submarine Scire, tasked with raiding Gibraltar with manned torpedoes, had her mission cancelled.

 29 Sep 1978 – Catholics around the world mourned the death of Pope John Paul who had been in office for just 33 days. Despite his brief reign, this humble working class Pope had captured the imagination of the world both amongst Catholics and non-Catholics. He is said to have died of a heart attack whilst reading in bed but many people believe he was poisoned for interfering with the Vatican Bank by trying to disconnect it from the mafia.

 29 Sep 2002 – As part of the Calpe 2002 Conference, the 100 ton guns at Napier of Magdala Battery (Gibraltar) and at Fort Rinella Battery (Malta) were fired simultaneously at 1200 today. The original intention to use 25lb of black powder (450lb when fired in anger) was reduced to 10lb in order not to inflame the sensibilities of local residents. Consequently the event was something of a damp-squib.

 30 Sep 1478 – The Catholic Monarchs granted the title of Marquis of Gibraltar to the Duke of Medina Sidonia.

 30 Sep 1779 - (Great Siege) An order was issued to lower or remove steeples and bell-towers across the city to deprive the enemy of aiming marks.

 30 Sep 1890 - Sir Leicester Smythe was sworn in as Governor of Gibraltar.

 30 Sep 1919 – An appeal was launched for economy in the use of bread since there was an acute shortage of flour. (which arrived on 5th Oct)

 30 Sep 1926 – Mr James Dagnino’s Gibraltar Telephone Service was taken into public ownership, by the City Council, after 40 years service.

 30 Sep 1955 - All elected members of LegCo resigned after the governor used his Reserve Powers.

 30 Sep 1971- La Linea daily Area reports: Human bones, discovered in the basement of the old barracks in Calle Pedreras may date back to when Gibraltar was besieged. For many years after 1704, La Linea was, according to Area, an authentic battlefield.

 30 Sep 1971 – The Chronicle reports a letter received: “We are asking for your help in fighting a battle in which a small, probably insignificant community is struggling to retain its own identity in a world that’s trying to smother and swallow it”.  It sounds like a 1968 call from Gibraltar but is in fact an appeal for publicity from the Guernsey Constitutional Association, which continues; “The Treaty of Rome, which the British Government is anxious to sign does not allow for small communities like ours to have their own laws, customs and way of life… we have never before asked for help from the World… we do it with reluctance because we are fighting people who are much bigger and more powerful than ourselves…”  John Peters Hon. Sec.

 30 Sep 1988 – The inquest held into the shooting of three unarmed IRA bombers, by the SAS, back in March this year, concluded today. After summarising the arguments of both sides, Coroner Felix Pizzarello instructed the jury to reach a decision on the lawfulness of the killings and instructed them to avoid an open verdict. Mr Pizzarello was subsequently made a judge.

 30 Sep 1998 - Daily Telegraph reports; "Robin Cook is pressing for modernisation of Gibraltar's constitution in a move that signals new willingness to entertain Spanish claims to joint sovereignty over the Rock with Britain".  The paper added that "the UK has not ruled out going-the-extra-mile to try to satisfy some of Spain's demands". Robin Cook was later found to be going the extra mile with his secretary; if his family can’t trust him why should we.             

 30 Sep 2000 - Last day of the Gibraltar Powerboat Festival, in which around 50 top UK powerboats competed in the final of the British Offshore Powerboat Racing championship held for the first time outside the UK. Organised by Prime Events, and scrutinised by RYA. Five Gibraltar boats competed on final day, including Charles Peire, winner of the 1994 Gibraltar National Race. Much of the groundwork here was accomplished by Wayne Warwick and Charlie Benyunes.

 

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Sep 1757 – Four soldiers were shot at Windmill Hill for desertion, in the presence of the whole garrison.

 Sep 1831 - Lt-Gen Sir William Houston sworn in as Governor of Gibraltar.

Sep 1873 – At a meeting of the Catholic community in relation to a grant of land by the (colonial) Government for the building of the Church of the Sacred Heart, a vote of thanks was offered to the Government. The Vicar Apostolic (John Baptiste Scandella) said that from this tribute of thanks they must make a most explicit exception as regards the present Attorney General, Mr Flood, who had ‘invariably been, in his public capacity, a most determined persecutor of the Catholic Church in this vicariate.’ After specifying the charges against this gentleman, the meeting resolved; ‘That in the presence of the continued official opposition by HM’s Attorney General, to the Catholic Church in this city, the Catholics of Gibraltar must earnestly pray HE the Governor that, as regards the future relations of this community with the authorities, the services of said functionary be kindly dispensed with.’

  Sep 1883 - The Gibraltar Cricket Club was formed.

 Sep 1886 - The fountain erected in Commercial Sq (John Mac Sq) in 1694 and then removed in 1872 was re-erected in Castle Road. It is now on Line Wall Boulevard.

 Sep 1902 - Construction of a new road from Cooperage Lane to Fishmarket Road by the Sanitary Commissioners was authorised.

 Sep 1953 - The USA and Spain signed the US Bases Agreement, allowing US to establish Navy Bases etc (like Rota). Coincidentally, at the same time US cruise liners stopped calling at Gibraltar, visiting Algeciras instead. Spain also gained $1.8M in military and economic aid. Rota remains under the flag of a Spanish Vice Admiral and is the only place in Spain where nuclear submarines are welcomed.

 Sep 1977 - The PAG were formed.

 Sep 1985 - King Juan Carlos of Spain revealed in the Madrid magazine 'Tiempo' that he refused to learn English because he was so incensed by Charles and Diana's 1981 honeymoon commencing in Gibraltar.  However in April 1986, when he visited the UK Houses of Parliament, he had learned sufficient English to ask for the ‘return’ of Gibraltar.

 Sep 1989 - 87% of Linenses said in an AREA pole that they favoured a formula where Gibraltarians would accept being first class Spaniards rather than 2nd class Britons. As if that opinion mattered here….

 Sep 1999 - Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) 5760 begins.

 Sep 1999 - Byzantine era year 7508 begins.

 Sep 1999 - Islamic New Year 1420 begins?

 Sep 2005 – The death occurred of Eddie Campello, editor of Vox newspaper and long-time campaigner on many issues; but most particularly against drug trafficking. Towards the end he had faced increasing harassment from government not entirely unconnected with his criticisms of them.