On this day...... 8 September

1338: The French displayed their naval superiority during the early part of the Hundred Years War with a successful attack on Guernsey.  Despite a gallant defence to the last man by the 65-strong garrison of Castle Cornet, it was taken, as was Jerburgh castle, the other fortification on the island, which had just twelve defenders.  Guernsey was occupied by the French for several years thereafter.

1855: The British, French and Turkish troops launched attacks on the fortifications around Sevastopol.  The British attack on the Redan failed - nine VCs were awarded for gallantry during the attack.  The French, however, enjoyed greater success.  The Russian garrison, including the author Tolstoy, assessed the ruined defences to be no longer tenable, and successfully evacuated at night shortly afterwards, bringing the eleven month siege to an end.

1858: During the Indian Mutiny, Sergeant-Major Champion of the 8th Hussars won the Victoria Cross for a determined fight against mutineers, notwithstanding his own wounds.

1917: While men of the North Staffordshire Regiment were digging a new trench on the Western Front, a grenade was unearthed and the fuze started to burn.  Sergeant Carmichael ran to the grenade, but could not throw it clear since men were working in all directions.  He therefore placed his helmet on top of the grenade, then stood on the helmet to deaden the blast.  His action saved the lives of the working party but cost Carmichael severe injuries.  He received the Victoria Cross.

1940:  The Luftwaffe continued its attacks on London by day and night .  The day's events are recorded on the RAF's Battle of Britain website. 

1943: Italy surrendered.  Substantial Italian forces came over to the Allied side and fought for the rest of the war as Co-Belligerents.

1944: The first V-2 rocket fell on London, killing three civilians in Chiswick.