Today in History for 8th June 2025
Historical Events
1941 – British and French troops overthrow the pro-German Syrian government
1964 – “The Little Old Lady (from Pasadena)”, recorded by 1960s American pop singers, Jan and Dean, is released
1975 – Two passenger trains collide near Munich, Germany, killing 35 people
1984 – “Ghostbusters”, American supernatural comedy film, directed and produced by Ivan Reitman, starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson premieres
2008 – French Open Men’s Tennis: Rafael Nadal equals Björn Borg’s Open era record of 4 consecutive French titles; outclasses Roger Federer 6-1, 6-3, 6-0
Famous Birthdays
1759 – Thomas Dunham Whitaker, British topographer, born in Rainham, Norfolk (d. 1821)
1814 – Charles Reade, English novelist (Cloister and Hearth), born in Ipsden, Oxfordshire (d. 1884)
1912 – Harry Holtzman, American abstract artist, born in New York City (d. 1987)
1930 – Michael Codron, British theatrical producer (plays of Harold Pinter and Tom Stoppard), born in London
1932 – Ray Illingworth, English cricket spin bowler and captain (61 Tests; 122 wickets, 1,836 runs @ 23.24; Yorkshire CCC, Leicestershire CCC), born in Pudsey, England (d. 2021)
Famous Deaths
1476 – George Neville, English archbishop and statesman
1621 – Anne de Xainctonge, French saint and founder of the Society of the Sisters of Saint Ursula of the Blessed Virgin, dies at 53
1924 – Andrew Irvine, English mountain climber (climbing accident) (b. 1902)
1988 – Russell Harty, broadcaster, dies
1992 – Alfred Uhl, Austrian composer, dies at 83
