Washington, United States. Several major events have occurred on April 22 across politics, conflict, disasters, aviation and legal affairs. The following highlights incidents and milestones spanning from 1915 to 2008.
World War One
In 1915, the second battle of Ypres began when German troops released clouds of chlorine gas on British troops, marking the first major gas attack of World War One.
Maritime achievement
In 1969, British yachtsman Robin Knox-Johnston arrived at Falmouth after completing the first solo non-stop circumnavigation of the Earth in 312 days.
U.S. politics
In 1994, former U.S. president Richard Nixon died at the age of 81. Nixon was the 37th president of the United States from 1969 until his resignation in 1974 over the Watergate scandal.
Peru hostage crisis
In 1997, Peruvian troops stormed the Japanese ambassador’s residence in Lima, freeing 71 hostages held by Marxist Tupac Amaru guerrillas. One hostage, three soldiers and all 14 guerrillas were killed.
Elian Gonzales case
In 2000, Cuban shipwreck survivor Elian Gonzales was taken by U.S. Federal agents from his Miami relatives.
Auction house price-fixing case
In 2002, former Sotheby’s chairman Alfred Taubman was sentenced to a year and a day in prison and fined $7.5 million for fixing commission fees with rival auctioneer Christie’s.
North Korea explosion
In 2004, a train laden with explosives blew up at a station near the centre of Ryongchon in North Korea. At least 161 people were killed, hundreds injured and nearly 2,000 homes were destroyed.
Sept. 11 case
In 2005, Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person charged in the United States in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks, pleaded guilty and said Osama bin Laden had hand-picked him to fly a plane into the White House.
Military aviation
In 2008, the U.S. Air Force retired its remaining F-117 Nighthawk aircraft from service.
Which of these April 22 events do you want to learn more about?
