What Happened on April 18?

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EVENTS ON APRIL 18

Explore the most important historical events that happened on April 18, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

St Andrew's First Aid

Year: 1899

The St. Andrew's Ambulance Association is granted a royal charter by Queen Victoria.

Greco-Turkish War (1897)

Year: 1897

The Greco-Turkish War is declared between Greece and the Ottoman Empire.

Battle of Dybbøl

Year: 1864

Battle of Dybbøl: A Prussian-Austrian army defeats Denmark and gains control of Schleswig. Denmark surrenders the province in the following peace settlement.

The Spirits Book

Year: 1857

"The Spirits Book" by Allan Kardec is published, marking the birth of Spiritualism in France.

1902 Guatemala earthquake

Year: 1902

The 7.5 Mw  Guatemala earthquake shakes Guatemala with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe), killing between 800 and 2,000.

1906 San Francisco earthquake

Year: 1906

The 7.9 Mw earthquake and fire destroy much of San Francisco, California, killing more than 3,000 people, making one of the worst natural disasters in American history.

Mines on the Italian front (World War I)

Year: 1916

World War I: During a mine warfare in high altitude on the Dolomites, the Italian troops conquer the Col di Lana held by the Austrian army.

World War I

Year: 1915

World War I: French pilot Roland Garros is shot down and glides to a landing on the German side of the lines.

BIRTHS ON APRIL 18

Discover famous people and historical figures born on April 18, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

John F. Wiley

Year of birth: 1920

John F. Wiley, American football player and coach (died 2013)

Virginia O'Brien

Year of birth: 1919

Virginia O'Brien, American actress and singer (died 2001)

Jean Richard (actor)

Year of birth: 1921

Jean Richard, French actor and singer (died 2001)

Barbara Hale

Year of birth: 1922

Barbara Hale, American actress (died 2017)

Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg

Year of birth: 1771

Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg (died 1820)

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown was an American singer and multi-instrumentalist from Louisiana. He was best-known as a blues performer, but his music was often eclectic and also touched on genres including country, jazz and rock and roll. Brown won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1983 for his album, Alright Again!