The Scout Association is incorporated throughout the British Empire by royal charter.
2 January 1963
Vietnam War: The Viet Cong wins its first major victory, at the Battle of Ap Bac.
1 January 1948
The British railway network is nationalized to form British Railways on 1 January 1948.
31 December 1994
The First Chechen War: The Russian Ground Forces begin a New Year’s storming of Grozny.
30 December 2004
A fire in the República Cromagnon nightclub in Buenos Aires, Argentina, kills 194.
29 December 2013
Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher suffers a massive head injury while skiing in the French Alps
28 December 1879
Tay Bridge disaster: The central part of the Tay Rail Bridge in Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom collapses as a train passes over it, killing 75.