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Iranian embassy on fire during the raid by the SAS1980: SAS rescue ends Iran embassy siege

The siege of the Iranian embassy in London comes to a dramatic end after a raid by SAS commandos.


Bobby Sands1981: Bobby Sands dies in prison
Hunger striker Bobby Sands dies in the Maze prison 66 days after first refusing to eat.

Alan Shepard in his Mercury 3 capsule1961: Shepard becomes first US astronaut
Commander Alan Shepard returns to Earth and is rescued from his Mercury 3 capsule in the Atlantic after becoming the first American in space.

Tony Blair2005: Blair secures historic third term
Labour under Tony Blair wins a third term but with a greatly reduced majority.

A precautionary sign at a farm in Thirsk, northern England, March 20012001: Sun shines on foot-and-mouth crisis
Britain's tourist industry hopes the bank holiday weekend and good weather will attract visitors to areas previously closed due to foot-and-mouth disease.

1955: Dr Salk promotes polio vaccine in UK
World-famous American virologist Dr Jonas Salk witnesses a ceremonial polio vaccination in London.

1967: First all-British satellite 'Ariel 3' launched
The first ever all-British satellite is successfully launched into orbit from the United States.
 Around this Day
2 May
Top Story1997: Labour routs Tories in historic election
3 May
Top Story1986: Bomb kills 21 in Sri Lanka
4 May
Top Story1979: Election victory for Margaret Thatcher
6 May
Top Story1966: Moors murderers jailed for life
7 May
Top Story1945: Germany signs unconditional surrender
8 May
Top Story1945: Rejoicing at end of war in Europe
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World War II - 1939 to 1945
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