ALL IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST 250 years ago, on 15th August 1771, that Sir Walter Scott, Scottish historical novelist, poet, and playwright was born. His best-known works include Ivanhoe and Rob Roy. 125 years ago, on 17th August 1896, that the death of the first person killed in a motor accident in the UK took place. Bridget Driscoll was crossing a road in the grounds of London’s Crystal Palace when she was hit by a car giving demonstration rides. By way of contrast, Brake.org.uk report that nowadays, an average of five people a day die on UK roads. 90 years ago, on 19th August 1931, that the Yangtze River and Huai River floods peaked in China. It was one of the worst natural disasters of the 20th century; up to four million people died, and the floods lasted from July to November. 80 years ago, on 15th August 1941, that the German spy Josef Jakobs became the last person to be executed at the 19 Tower of London. (He had parachuted into Britain during WWII.) 75 years ago, on 16th August 1946, that the Great Calcutta Killings took place in Kolkata India. Muslim and Hindu mobs rioted across the city following the Muslim League’s demand for the creation of Pakistan. More than 4,000 people were killed and 100,000 left homeless. The riot sparked further religious violence in other provinces, leading to the Partition of India in August 1947. 60 years ago, on 13th August 1961, that East Germany sealed off the border between East and West Berlin to prevent the exodus of refugees to the West. Initially barbed wire fences were erected; construction of the Berlin Wall began on 15th August. The border reopened in 1989. 50 years ago, on 9th August 1971, that Northern Ireland introduced internment, the power to detain suspected
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