The US navy frigate "USS Samuel B. Roberts" struck a mine in the Persian Gulf. The US retaliates against Iran with Operation Praying Mantis. The operation resulted in the world's largest naval engagement since the Second World War

The US executed bombing raids against Tripoli and Benghazi, in Libya. The raids were ordered in retaliation for the April 5 bombing of a disc in West Berlin.

English guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore, was born in North Somerset. He was the guitarist in the legendary rock band, Deep Purple. In 1975, after he left Deep Purple, he formed his own band, Rainbow, up until the reunification of Deep Purple in 1984. He left Deep Purple once again to reform Rainbow in 1994. In 1997 he formed Blackmore's Night.

An explosion at the Bombay harbour killed over 700 people. The explosion resulted from a fire that ignited the munitions cargo, carried by the ship "SS Fort Stikine".

American policeman, Frank Serpico, was born in Brooklyn, New York. He became famous when he was the first policeman to publicly speak against police corruption. He was setup, shot in the face and left for dead by his partners and constantly harassed for years after he retired from police work because the mafia had put out a contract on his life. His story was later made into a film, starring Al PAccino, with his name for its title.

The first Volvo car came out of the production line.

Turkish forces invaded Armenia.

The British ocean liner RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Over 1500 people died in the shipwreck. The site of the shipwreck was discovered in 1985 by a joint American-French expedition.

Haitian politician, Francois Duvalier, was born in Port-au-Prince. He was elected president of Haiti in 1957. In 1964 he altered the constitution of Haiti and then established himself as its president for life. He remained at his post until his death in 1971. His regime is considered as one of the most autocratic and repressive in the 20th century.

Thomas Edison exhibited the kinetoscope, this was the first step towards today's cinemas.

Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth, he died the next day.

German composer, George Frideric Handel, died in London at the age of 74. His most famous works include the Messiah and Water Music.

Dutch mathematician, astronomer and inventor, Christiaan Huygens, was born in The Hague. He helped develop calculus and is also famous for discovering the moon of Saturn, Titan.