Daily Archives: August 9, 2012

Winston Churchill visits troops in Egypt 70 years ago today (1942)


Video: Churchill in Egypt Aug. 9, 1942 (at 0:24)

(Sunday, August 9, 1942, part of Western Desert Campaign of World War II) — Cheering troops lined the road today to welcome British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during his tour of armoured units at Tel-El-Kebir, Egypt, about two weeks after the First Battle of El Alamein ended.

Gandhi’s arrest sparks “Quit India” movement 70 years ago today (1942)

(Sunday, August 9, 1942) — British officials imprisoned Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi and all his principal collaborators in the Indian National Congress party today, hoping to suppress a civil disobedience program intended to free India from colonial rule. Continue reading Gandhi’s arrest sparks “Quit India” movement 70 years ago today (1942)

Britain’s King Edward VII crowned 110 years ago today (1902)


Video: 'The Coronation of King Edward VII (1902)'

(Saturday, August 9, 1902) — Edward VII, 60, was crowned king of Britain today following the death of his mother, Queen Victoria, on Jan. 22, 1901. Edward’s coronation had originally been scheduled for June 26, 1902, but two days before, Edward was diagnosed with appendicitis.