A British commercial plane crashed shortly after taking off from Heathrow, resulting in the death of all 118 people on board. It was the worst aviation disaster in Britain until the 1988 Pan Am bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland.

Monarchy was abolished in Egypt and the Egyptian Republic was proclaimed.

A United States military aircraft crashed near Tokyo, Japan resulting in the death of all 129 service personnel onboard.

American actress, Carol Kane, was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She is most known for her role in the hit sitcom, Taxi, as the wife of Latka Gravas (Andy Kaufman).

Italian actress, Isabella Rossellini, was born in Rome. She is the daughter of Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman and Italian director Roberto Rossellini. During the 1980's she became a popular actress, model and sex symbol around the world.

Italian football coach, Fabio Capello, was born in San Canzian d'Isonzo. He is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in professional football.

British musician, Paul McCartney, was born in Liverpool, England. He is both known for having been part of the legendary band, The Beatles, as well as for having had one of the most successful solo careers in the history of popular music. According to the Guiness Book of records he is the most successful musician in popular music history.

Aviator Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly in an aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean, although she was only a passenger on that flight.

Chinese empress, Dowager Longyu, issued an order according to which all foreigners in Peking were to be executed, including all foreign diplomats and their families. Part of the events were dramatized in the 1963 classic film, 55 Days at Peking.

The United States declared war on Great Britain.

French forces under the leadership of Joan of Arc defeated the English army at the Battle of Patay, effectively turning the tide of the Hundred Years' War in France's favour.