On this day...... 30 August

1854: A Franco-British naval squadron arrived off Petropavlovsk, Russia's chief naval base in the Far East, during the Crimean War.  However, as the squadron prepared to commence bombardment, its commander, Rear Admiral David Price, committed suicide.  Why he shot himself will never be known.  The bombardment eventually commenced the following day, and on 4 September, the British and French ships landed marines and sailors.  Unfortunately, the landing party walked into an ambush, suffering heavy casualties, and the operation was abandoned.

1855: In the main theatre of operations against the Russians, outside Sevastopol, British troops were digging siege works when the fortress' garrison sallied out to attack them.  Sergeant Coleman of the 97th Regiment, was the last to quit the position, only retreating when the rest of the work team had been killed or wounded.  He managed to rescue a wounded officer and carry him back to safety, and was awarded the Victoria Cross.

1940: Repeated Luftwaffe attacks on RAF airfields generated heavy air combat.  25 RAF fighters were lost, with ten pilots killed.  The defenders believed they had downed at least 62 German aircraft.   The day's events are recorded on the RAF's Battle of Britain website.