In 1974 three American astronauts return safely to planet Earth after a record breaking stay in space. Dr Edward Gibson, Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Carr and Lieutenant Colonel William Pogue all spent a total of 85 days in the United States space station ‘Skylab’ to test long term affects of living in space. This was also the last mission by NASA, using ‘Skylab’ which would be left to disintegrate in our atmosphere.

 

In 1962 a French riot causes 8 deaths in the capital. In 1961 the French President Charles de Gaulle proposed that the people of Algeria have the right to a referendum regarding their independence. This was opposed by the right-wing Secret Army Organisation (OAS) which was led by former French army general Raoul Salan, and they started to bomb the capital in protest. On this day in 1962 France's main communist-led union had organised a demonstration against the bombings, but the demonstration grew and the crowd became 20,000 people, overwhelming police. The demonstration started peacefully but police came under attack and shot into the crowd reportedly only wounding civilians, however eight people were reported dead after being crushed by the crowds. In March 1962 Charles de Gaulle met with Algerian representatives and handed over independence to the Algerians. The Secret Army Organisation’s Leader Raoul Salan was captured in April ’62 and sentenced to life in prison for his assassination attempts on the President.

 

In 1952 the eldest daughter of deceased King George VI officially proclaimed herself Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Head of the Commonwealth and Defender of the Faith (at the age of 25). Her speech to the commonwealth representatives and dignitaries, spoke explained that "By the sudden death of my dear father I am called to assume the duties and responsibilities of sovereignty".