Daily Archives: August 16, 2025

Indonesian nationalists declare independence from the Netherlands 80 years ago this hour (Aug 17 1945)


Video: 'Indonesia Declares Independence, translated- 17th August, 1945'

(Friday, August 17, 1945, 10:00 a.m. Japan Standard Time; during World War II) — Indonesian nationalists declared their independence from the Netherlands today, marking the start of the diplomatic and armed resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution against the forces of the Netherlands and pro-Dutch civilians.

‘Someone Saved My Life Tonight’ by Elton John peaks at #4 in USA 50 years ago today (Aug 16 1975)

(Saturday, August 16, 1975) — “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” by Elton John peaked at #4 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Someone Saved My Life Tonight’ by Elton John peaks at #4 in USA 50 years ago today (Aug 16 1975)

Peter Gabriel announces he’s leaving Genesis 50 years ago today (Aug 16 1975)


Video: 'The Genesis Archive Documentary 1 (VH1 Classic - In Full)'

(Saturday, August 16, 1975)Genesis lead singer Peter Gabriel announced to the British press today that he was leaving the band. Continue reading Peter Gabriel announces he’s leaving Genesis 50 years ago today (Aug 16 1975)

The Beatles rest after record breaking concert at New York’s Shea Stadium 60 years ago today (Aug 16 1965)


Video: 'The Beatles Interview with Brian Matthew - 16th August 1965'

(Monday, August 16, 1965) — Still basking in the roar of a record-breaking Shea Stadium crowd, The Beatles spent today resting at their Manhattan hotel before continuing their North American tour. Continue reading The Beatles rest after record breaking concert at New York’s Shea Stadium 60 years ago today (Aug 16 1965)

British Cabinet War Rooms in London locked 80 years ago today (Aug 16 1945)


Video: 'The Secrets of Winston Churchill's Underground War Rooms'

(Thursday, August 16, 1945; during World War II) — The Cabinet War Rooms, which provided the secret underground headquarters for the core of the British government throughout World War II, were locked today following the surrender of Japanese forces and left undisturbed until Parliament ensured its preservation as a historic site in 1948.

Will Rogers, Wiley Post killed when their airplane crashes 90 years ago this hour (Aug 15 1935)


Video: 'USA: World-famous Americans Will Rogers and Wiley Post die in Alaskan air-crash (1935)'

(Thursday, August 15, 1935, 8:18 p.m. AKST; during the Great Depression) — Will Rogers, beloved humorist, and Wiley Post, master aviator, were crushed to death tonight when a shiny, new airplane motor faltered and became an engine of tragedy near Point Barrow in the Alaska Territory. Continue reading Will Rogers, Wiley Post killed when their airplane crashes 90 years ago this hour (Aug 15 1935)