Joan of Arc, a French heroine is born into a peasant family. In 1429, with the help of 800 people, she drives the English away.
In 1745 Etienne-Jacques De Montgolfier is born. He becomes a pioneer of flying balloons, and together with his brother Joseph-Michel he invents the first hot air balloon.
In 1822 Heinrich Schliemann, German archaeologist, is born. He successfully excavates Troy, and the sites Mycenae and Tiryns. He discovers the famous royal tombs.
In 1832 Gustave Doré, French illustrator, is born. He illustrated the English Bibles, works by Cervantes and Balzac.
In 1838 the inventor Samuel Morse first demonstrated the telegraph for the first time, and then on this day in 1858 for the first time he successfully tested the electric telegraph.
In 1944 the 14th Division set off on its legendary march to Štajerska. In the Tomšič, Šercerja and Bračič brigades there were a total of 1,112 partisans. They were very well armed considering the then conditions. When the 14. Division left for Štajerska it was the strongest operative unit to date.
In 1997 Primož Peterka, not yet 18 years old, became the first Slovene to win in the overall New Year ski jumping tournament.
MUSIC HISTORY
1973 - Carly Simon is No. 1 on the American singles chart with 'You're So Vain', the accompanying vocal was sung by Mick Jagger.
1979 - The Bee Gees are No. 1 on the American singles chart with 'Too Much Heaven'.
1979 - The Village People move to No.1 on the British singles chart with their song 'Y.M.C.A.'
BORN ON THIS DAY
1937 – Doris Troy ('Just one look').
1938 – Italian singer Adriano Celentano ('Tutti frutti').
1959 – Kathy Sledge, the youngest of Sister Sledge ('We are family').