Today in News History

On June 17, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1665, Battle of Montes Claros: Portugal definitively secured independence from Spain in the last battle of the Portuguese Restoration War. In 1922, John Amis, English journalist and critic (died 2013) was born. In 1940, World War II: RMS Lancastria is attacked and sunk by the Luftwaffe near Saint-Nazaire, France. At least 3,000 are killed in Britain's worst maritime disaster. In 1941, Đorđe Bogić, protopresbyter of the Serbian Orthodox Church, victim of Genocide of Serbs (born 1911) passed away. In 1944, Iceland declares independence from Denmark and becomes a republic. In 1956, Iain Milne, Scottish rugby player was born. In 1969, Geoff Toovey, Australian rugby league player and coach was born. In 1970, Alan Dowson, English football manager and former professional player was born. In 2011, Rex Mossop, Australian rugby player and sportscaster (born 1928) passed away. In 2017, A series of wildfires in central Portugal kill at least 64 people and injure 204 others. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.