1762: Mr Harrison's fourth version of his chronometer for accurately measuring longitude successfully passed its first test aboard HMS Deptford when the ship arrived at Jamaica after a three month voyage - the chronometer had lost only five seconds.

1826: At the conclusion of the First Burmese War, it became clear that whilst a treaty was being negotiated, some Burmese forces were still preparing for further action. Sir Archibald Campbell therefore attacked the troops concentrating at Malun on the Irrawaddy River. The attacking force consisted of British and Madras Army troops, supported by river gunboats. These included the steamer Diana - the first steam-ship to be used on military operations. Malun was taken, and the Burmese retreated on their ancient capital of Pagan.

1839: British troops landed at Aden to take possession of the port, which had been sold to Britain by the Sultan. The sale was opposed by the Sultan's son and local tribal leaders, and the force, backed by a Royal Navy bombardment, had to fight to secure the port. Peaceful cooperation was finally achieved in May 1840; the British possession covered some 80 square miles, with a further 9,000 square miles of tribal lands covered by the Aden Protectorate.

1915: Britain suffered its first ever air raid when two German Navy Zeppelins bombed Great Yarmouth, Sheringham, Thornham, Brancaster, Hunstanton, Heacham, Snettisham and King's Lynn.

1945: A position in Burma held by men of the 16th Punjab Regiment was attacked by a very large Japanese force. Lance-Naik Sher Shah crawled forward in amongst the enemy, and managed to break up two successive attacks, shooting them up from point-blank range. His leg was shattered by a direct hit, but he refused to withdraw, and remained in place to take on yet another attack. Sadly, this time he was hit in the head and killed. He was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.