1880: The earliest ballpoint pen with its own ink supply and retractable tip was patented by Alonzo T. Cross.

1914: The first air battle took place between the French and German forces during World War One.

1954: Marilyn Monroe applied for a divorce from Joe DiMaggio, citing conflicting career demands.

1961: Ken Dodd was top of the pops with Tears.

1962: The Beatles' first single Love Me Do was released in Britain.

1965: Dick McInnes remained in flight for almost 12 hours, strapped to a kite.

1969: The first episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus was screened on British television.

1983: Cecil Parkinson admitted to having a relationship with his secretary, Sara Keays.