ALL IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 175 years ago, on 11th Feb 1847 that Thomas Edison, American inventor and businessman was born. Best known for inventing the first practical incandescent light bulb, phonograph, movie camera and projector, and many more. 100 years ago, on 8th Feb 1922 that the first radio was installed in the White House. 90 years ago, on 27th Feb 1932 that British physicist James Chadwick announced his discovery of the neutron subatomic particle in the journal Nature. He was awarded the 1935 Nobel Prize for Physics for his discovery. 80 years ago, on 8th Feb 1942 that the Battle of Singapore took place. The Japanese then occupied Singapore until September 1945. This is regarded as the worst disaster in British military history, with about 80,000 British, Indian and Australian troops captured. 75 years ago, on 7th Feb 1947 that the first of the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in caves in Khirbat Qumran (now in the West Bank, Palestine). 21 70 years ago, on 6th Feb 1952 that Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne following the death of her father, King George VI. She was in Kenya at the time and became the first Sovereign in over 200 years to accede while abroad. 65 years ago, on 16th Feb 1957 that the Toddlers’ Truce was abolished in Britain. During the Truce, television admissions closed down for an hour so that young children could be put to bed. Children’s programming ended at 6pm and adult programming began at 7pm. 60 years ago, on 20th Feb 1962 that John Glenn became the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth. He made three orbits in the space capsule Friendship 7. 50 years ago, on 9th Feb 1972 that the British Government declared a state of emergency over the miners’ strike which began in January. From 16th February, electricity supplies to homes and businesses were cut off for up to nine hours a day. The strike ended on 25th February.
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