Today in News History

On June 24, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1128, Battle of São Mamede, near Guimarães: Forces led by Afonso I defeat forces led by his mother Teresa of León and her lover Fernando Pérez de Traba. In 1314, First War of Scottish Independence: The Battle of Bannockburn concludes with a decisive victory by Scottish forces led by Robert the Bruce. In 1340, Hundred Years' War: Battle of Sluys: The French fleet is almost completely destroyed by the English fleet commanded in person by King Edward III. In 1779, American Revolutionary War: The Great Siege of Gibraltar begins. In 1846, Samuel Johnson, Nigerian priest and historian (died 1901) was born. In 1922, John Postgate, English microbiologist, author, and academic (died 2014) was born. In 1943, US military police attempt to arrest a black soldier in Bamber Bridge, England, sparking the Battle of Bamber Bridge mutiny that leaves one dead and seven wounded. In 1982, "The Jakarta Incident": British Airways Flight 009 flies into a cloud of volcanic ash thrown up by the eruption of Mount Galunggung, resulting in the failure of all four engines. In 1988, Micah Richards, English footballer was born. In 2002, The Igandu train disaster in Tanzania kills 281, the worst train accident in African history. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.