1910  - 

British actor, David Niven, is born.

1774  - 

Captain Cook sails closer to the South Pole than any known person has previously sailed. 

1854  - 

The first Cobb & Co coach departs Melbourne for the Forest Creek goldfields. 

1945  - 

The Wilhelm Gustloff sinks in the worst disaster in shipping history.

1948  - 

Political leader and humanitarian, Mahatma Gandhi, is assassinated.