31 January 1956Birth of Johnny RottenJohnny Rotten
Birth of Johnny Rotten, as John Joseph Lydon
Historical records for Great Britain in 1956, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Birth of Johnny Rotten, as John Joseph Lydon
Makes a state visit to Nigeria
Lays the foundation stone for Coventry Cathedral
Birth of Sue Barker
Khrushchev pays a visit to Elizabeth II
Makes a state visit to Sweden
Birth of Peter Mark Sinclair Almond
Britain withdraws its proposed High Dam contribution after the American decision.
Receives news that Nasser has nationalised the Suez Canal Company and calls ministers for urgent consultations
Responds to Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal by preparing political and military countermeasures
Eden summons ministers after learning that Egypt has nationalised the Suez Canal Company.
Nasser announces the nationalization of the Suez Canal Company, which operated the vital trade route to the east, in which British banks & business held a 44% stake
Questions the risks of military action during early Cabinet discussions of the canal crisis
Begins diplomatic work to build an international response to Egypt's seizure of the canal company
Warns that control of the canal affects oil supplies, sterling and Britain's financial position
Eden asks military chiefs to examine options for restoring Western control of the canal.
Lloyd opens consultations with French and American representatives on a coordinated response to nationalisation.
Makes a state visit to Iraq
Defends a firm British response to Nasser during the first major Commons debate after nationalization
Criticises Nasser's action but warns Eden against unilateral military action without international authority
Hosts delegations seeking an international system for canal management after nationalization
Opens diplomatic efforts at the London Conference after the canal nationalization
the first nuclear power generated in Britain is produced in Calder Hall
Death of Bernard William Griffin, Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
the first nuclear power generated in Britain is produced in Calder Hall
Rejects Nasser's nationalization as a threat to international control and British interests in the canal.
Backs plans for a users association to challenge Egyptian control of canal operations
Eden reviews contingency plans as foreign canal pilots prepare to leave Egyptian service.
Lloyd joins renewed talks on the canal and the proposed users association.
Submits the Suez dispute to the United Nations Security Council
Takes the Suez dispute to the United Nations Security Council after diplomatic proposals fail
Submits the Suez dispute to the United Nations Security Council
Macmillan discusses Suez policy and economic consequences with American officials during his Washington visit.
Authorises military planning with France for intervention against Egypt
Stockwell adapts land-force planning after the principal landing objective is changed from Alexandria to Port Said.
Accepts the Security Council's six principles for a negotiated canal settlement
Lloyd accepts six Security Council principles as a basis for negotiations on canal operation.
Meets senior ministers as British policy moves closer to coordinated action with France and Israel
Calder Hall opens as a British nuclear power station.
Opens Calder Hall, promoted as the world's first full-scale nuclear power station
Opens Calder Hall nuclear power station
Opens Calder Hall nuclear power station
Participates in secret Sevres discussions before Patrick Dean signs the final protocol for Britain
Travels to secret talks with French and Israeli representatives at Sevres
Lloyd reports the developing secret agreement with France and Israel to Eden.
Signs the secret Protocol of Sevres for Britain with Israeli and French representatives
Dean signs the written Sevres protocol setting the sequence for Israeli attack and Anglo-French intervention.
Secretly agrees with France and Israel on the sequence leading to intervention in Egypt
Returns from Sevres with the British copy of the secret protocol
Britain, France and Israel secretly agree the sequence of Israeli invasion, ultimatum and Anglo-French intervention
Eden approves implementation of the secret arrangement reached with France and Israel.
Uses Israel's invasion of Sinai as the trigger for the planned Anglo-French ultimatum
Issues an Anglo-French ultimatum to Egypt and Israel after Israel's invasion of Sinai
Presents the ultimatum demanding withdrawal from the canal zone and acceptance of Anglo-French occupation
Prepares to execute the revised Anglo-French operation centred on Port Said
Israel accepts the Anglo-French ultimatum to withdraw 10 miles from Suez. Egypt turns down the Anglo-French ultimatum for a cease-fire
Issues an ultimatum with France demanding that Israel and Egypt withdraw from the canal zone
Israel accepts the Anglo-French ultimatum while Egypt rejects the demand for withdrawal from the canal zone
Defends Britain's ultimatum during international debate over the crisis
Orders air attacks on Egypt after Nasser rejects the Anglo-French ultimatum
Directs air operations aimed at neutralising Egyptian airfields
Keightley directs the combined Anglo-French headquarters as the air phase against Egypt begins.
The UK & France bomb Egypt to force the reopening of the canal with Operation Musketeer, Egypt blocks the canal with scuttled ships in the canal & closes it until 1957
Barnett directs the opening air campaign intended to destroy Egyptian air power before the landings.
HMS Newfoundland engages and sinks the Egyptian frigate Domiat during the naval phase
Commands the landing force assembled to seize Port Said and the northern canal zone
Coordinates naval support and carrier forces for the Anglo-French operation
British and French aircraft bomb Egyptian airfields as Operation Musketeer begins
The UK & France bomb Egypt to force the reopening of the canal with Operation Musketeer, Egypt blocks the canal with scuttled ships in the canal & closes it until 1957
Authorises the bombing phase of Operation Musketeer against Egyptian targets
Commands Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French military operation against Egypt
Barnett directs the RAF bomber offensive launched from Malta and Cyprus against Egyptian military airfields.
Resigns from the Foreign Office in protest over the Suez intervention
The UK & France bomb Egypt to force the reopening of the canal with Operation Musketeer, Egypt blocks the canal with scuttled ships in the canal & closes it until 1957. British & French planes bomb Egyptian airfields
Barnett's air command commits Valiant bombers to operational attacks during their only use in combat.
Expresses serious reservations inside government about the resort to force over Suez
Opposes the British and French intervention in Egypt.
Durnford-Slater coordinates carrier-based air operations against Egyptian military targets.
Advises against continuing the operation as diplomatic and political costs increase
Attacks the Government in Parliament over the invasion of Egypt
Keightley confirms final preparations for the airborne and amphibious assault on the canal zone.
Helps manage Commons business as the crisis produces deep political division
Supports the Government line as ministers defend the Suez operation in Parliament
Gaza falls to the British forces
Warns Eden that the invasion should be stopped before troops land in the canal zone
Mountbatten renews warnings about the political and strategic risks of continuing the operation.
Faces growing United Nations opposition as emergency sessions condemn the invasion
Explains his resignation as opposition grows to Britain's use of force
Denounces the intervention before a mass anti-war crowd.
Makes a TV broadcast to the nation appealing for national unity
Anti-Suez demonstrators advance from Trafalgar Square toward Downing Street.
Speaks against the Suez intervention at Trafalgar Square.
Butler issues final orders for 16th Independent Parachute Brigade's assault on Port Said.
The United Nations adopts a Canadian resolution to send a United Nations force, Britain & France abstain. Makes a TV broadcast to the nation appealing for national unity
Acts as Government Chief Whip during the parliamentary crisis caused by the Suez intervention
Crook briefs 3 Para before its airborne assault on El Gamil airfield.
Addresses a large anti-war demonstration against Suez.
Faces mass protest in London against the invasion of Egypt.
Supports Labour opposition as anti-Suez demonstrations intensify.
Addresses opposition to the Suez intervention.
Condemns the Suez intervention at a mass rally.
The United Nations adopts a Canadian-backed resolution to create an emergency force while Britain and France abstain
Commands 16th Independent Parachute Brigade during the airborne assault phase
Directs paratroopers as they move from El Gamil toward Port Said
Barnett's air forces support the airborne and amphibious phases after attacks have reduced Egyptian air opposition.
Butler sends British paratroopers from Cyprus for the assault on El Gamil and the approaches to Port Said.
Butler directs airborne troops expanding the bridgehead from El Gamil toward Port Said.
Keightley authorises the airborne assault phase that places British and French paratroopers around Port Said and Port Fuad.
Durnford-Slater positions the naval assault force off Port Said before the seaborne landings.
Leads 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment in the assault on El Gamil Airfield
3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment drops at El Gamil Airfield and secures a base for follow-on forces
Crook's 3 Para secures El Gamil airfield and establishes a base for reinforcement.
Crook's paratroopers defend the captured airfield perimeter while reorganising after the drop.
Crook leads 3 Para in Britain's first battalion-sized combat parachute assault since the Second World War.
Stockwell opens the ground phase of the Anglo-French assault after airborne forces establish initial positions.
British paratroops land at El Gamil Airfield as the ground phase of the operation begins
Crook moves 3 Para from El Gamil toward Port Said after the airfield has been secured.
Commands Anglo-French ground forces landing at Port Said
Durnford-Slater directs naval gunfire supporting the assault on Port Said.
Moulton prepares Royal Marine commandos for the amphibious phase of the assault.
The 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment drops at El Gamil Airfield, establishing a secure base for incoming support aircraft & reinforcement
Paratroops land to recover the canal Eden says is vital if Britain is not to starve
The 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment drops at El Gamil Airfield, establishing a secure base for incoming support aircraft & reinforcement
Goes on television and denounces Eden's conduct of the Suez crisis, calling for his resignation
Keightley orders forces to stop advancing when political leaders accept the ceasefire.
Barnett keeps air support available as ground forces advance along the northern canal zone.
Keightley implements political orders ending the offensive while Allied ground forces are still advancing south from Port Said.
Keightley authorises the seaborne assault reinforcing forces already fighting around Port Said.
Keightley directs the transition from airborne operations to the main amphibious assault on the canal-zone cities.
Oakley leads his troop ashore during the opening Royal Marine assault under naval gunfire support.
Butler leads elements of the parachute brigade south along the canal bank with Royal Tank Regiment support.
Tailyour's commandos are landed by helicopters near Casino Pier to reinforce forces already fighting in Port Said.
Agrees to a ceasefire after severe American, Soviet and United Nations pressure
Accepts a ceasefire under United States, United Nations and Soviet pressure
Announces the decision to halt military operations under intense international pressure
Receives orders to halt the advance after international pressure forces a ceasefire
Tailyour's 45 Commando clears the area between the axes of the two leading Royal Marine commandos.
Moulton coordinates Royal Marine operations with Centurion tanks landed to support fighting inside Port Said.
Moulton directs the Royal Marine beach assault by 40 and 42 Commandos at Port Said.
Supports helicopter-borne commando landings from the carrier force off Port Said
Whitney supports the helicopter lift carrying Royal Marines from the carrier force to the landing area.
Macmillan warns that continuing the operation risks a severe sterling and reserve crisis.
Tailyour commands 45 Commando during the first operational helicopter assault conducted by the Royal Marines.
Tailyour's reconnaissance helicopter mistakenly lands in an Egyptian-held stadium and escapes after coming under fire.
Norcock commands 42 Commando as it lands at Port Said in amphibious Buffalo vehicles.
Norcock's commandos fight through the built-up area after landing on the Port Said waterfront.
Stockwell halts forward units after the ceasefire order interrupts the planned advance down the canal.
Eden ends military operations before Anglo-French forces can seize the full canal zone.
Moulton's Royal Marines use helicopters from carriers during the assault, a major innovation in amphibious warfare.
Tailyour flies from HMS Ocean to reconnoitre the landing area before 45 Commando's helicopter assault.
Moulton integrates 45 Commando after its helicopter landing into the continuing clearance of Port Said.
Warns that Britain cannot sustain the financial crisis without American support
Durnford-Slater coordinates carriers, landing craft and naval gunfire during the amphibious phase.
Oakley commands B Troop in the leading wave of Buffalo amphibious vehicles approaching the Port Said beaches.
Durnford-Slater curtails offensive naval support after the political decision to halt operations.
Butler's airborne troops link with units arriving by sea as the Allied position around Port Said expands.
Butler directs paratroopers pushing deeper into Port Said before the ceasefire takes effect.
Commands ground forces as amphibious landings reinforce the airborne troops at Port Said
Stockwell consolidates Anglo-French beachheads after the amphibious landings.
Stockwell's land plan combines Royal Marine commandos with Centurion tanks during the seaborne assault on Port Said.
Commands Royal Marine Commando forces during the seaborne and helicopter-supported landing
Stockwell directs forces beyond the captured beachhead toward objectives farther south along the canal.
Eden confronts severe pressure on sterling as American financial support is withheld during the Suez Crisis.
Warns Cabinet of the worsening sterling crisis and the financial consequences of American pressure
Moulton restricts supporting fire to known Egyptian defences and positions actively engaging the assault.
Crossland joins an assault on an Egyptian-held warehouse during 40 Commando's fighting in Port Said.
Crossland holds his position alone after casualties during the warehouse fight and continues engaging Egyptian defenders.
Eden announces that military operations will cease and that United Nations forces will be used
Works to maintain Conservative support after the ceasefire announcement
Durnford-Slater shifts naval forces from assault support to ceasefire and withdrawal duties.
Keightley stabilises the limited Anglo-French occupation area while withdrawal terms are negotiated.
Seeks American financial support as sterling comes under severe pressure
Eden announces in the Commons United Nations forces will be used & military operations cease. Cease-fire commences after the Russian threat of rockets. Britain says she will evacuate her troops from Suez on the arrival of the United Nations forces
Sent to Washington to gain support for a collapsing £
Attacks the Government over the financial and diplomatic consequences of the Suez adventure
Faces a no-confidence debate in the Commons after the military and financial crisis
Survives parliamentary attacks after the Suez ceasefire
Leads parliamentary attacks on Eden's Government during the no-confidence debate
No confidence debate in the Commons
Handles negotiations over withdrawal and replacement by United Nations forces
The United Nations forces arrive in Suez
United Nations forces begin arriving in the Suez area to replace Anglo-French troops
Leaves Britain for rest in Jamaica as his health and political position deteriorate
Leaves for Jamaica as his health and authority deteriorate after Suez
Wilson condemns the Anglo-French intervention during a Labour meeting in Birmingham.
Barnett employs Canberra squadrons from Malta and Cyprus throughout the six-day air offensive.
The Allies agree Israel should invade & Britain & France would intervene & instruct the Israeli & Egyptian armies to withdraw 10 miles either side of the canal
The US will support Britain if it accepts the United Nations solution, the pound collapses
Argues that Eden's Suez policy damages Britain's standing as Soviet forces crush the Hungarian uprising
Strengthens his claim to succeed Eden as the Suez crisis weakens the Prime Minister
Provides legal support for the Government's position during the controversy over intervention
Defends the Government's legal position amid charges that the intervention violates the United Nations Charter
The Allies agree Israel should invade & Britain & France would intervene & instruct the Israeli & Egyptian armies to withdraw 10 miles either side of the canal
Commands air forces assigned to Operation Musketeer
Commands naval forces assigned to Operation Musketeer
Criticises the intervention and strengthens Liberal opposition to Eden's policy
Wilson finds strong support in Birmingham for Labour's opposition to the Suez intervention.
Criticises the moral and political consequences of the Suez intervention in British public debate
The United States links support for sterling to British acceptance of a United Nations solution
The US will support Britain if it accepts the United Nations solution, the pound collapses. The Allies agree Israel should invade & Britain & France would intervene & instruct the Israeli & Egyptian armies to withdraw 10 miles either side of the canal
Helps manage Conservative parliamentary business during the Suez crisis period.
Eden goes to Jamaica for the sake of his health, Heath is left to manage the party
Eden goes to Jamaica for the sake of his health
Makes a Commons statement denying prior collusion over the invasion of Egypt
Denies prior collusion in the Suez invasion during Commons questioning
Faces questioning over whether Britain had prior knowledge of Israel's attack on Egypt
Returns from Jamaica
Makes a speech in the Commons denying all knowledge of the invasion of Suez
Completes withdrawal of British and French forces from Port Said
The last Anglo-French forces leave Port Said
The last Anglo-French forces leave Port Said after international pressure forces withdrawal
United Nations-led salvage work begins clearing scuttled ships from the canal
British military engineering experience informs the wider clearance problem after ships block the canal
The United Nations fleet begins clearing the canal of scuttled ships
Ends the year managing the diplomatic aftermath of the failed intervention
Lloyd negotiates the final timetable for British and French evacuation from Port Said.
Oversees Britain's diplomatic retreat as Anglo-French withdrawal from Egypt is arranged
Winner of a BAFTA for best actress for her part in A Town Like Alice
Julia, John Lennons mother, buys him his first guitar through a mail order ad, his incessant playing prompts Johns Aunt Mimi to say, "The guitars all very well as a hobby, John, but youll never make a living out of it."
Introduces Premium Bonds & cuts Government food subsidies
Challenges Conservative economic policy from the Labour front bench as Shadow Chancellor.
Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1956 New Year Honours
The Allies agree Israel should invade & Britain & France would intervene & instruct the Israeli & Egyptian armies to withdraw 10 miles either side of the canal. The Canal owners, Compagnie universelle du canal maritime de Suez, held a secret meeting between Israel, France & Britain at Sevres, outside Paris
Sells an early London property investment at a profit, increasing the capital available for further property purchases.
Elected Member of Parliament, the youngest MP
Winner of the first ever European Footballer of the Year award
Winner of an FA Cup winners medal with Manchester City. Winner of an FA Cup winners medal.
Appointed Financial Secretary
Hoyle published Frontiers of Astronomy for readers interested in current astronomical research.
Appears opposite Rock Hudson and James Dean in George Stevens epic Giant
First uses the term, "Gnomes of Zurich"
Condemns the Soviet crushing of the Hungarian Revolution through Tribune.
Calls for Israel to invade Sinai
Issues an ultimatum to Egypt & Israel to withdraw forces from the Suez Canal
Expands the property venture by acquiring houses in Inverness Terrace, Bayswater, for conversion into a larger boarding-house operation.
Ramseys second season in charge led to the 3rd Division South title, Ipswichs second at that level, and promotion to the Second Division
Publication of "Island in the Sun"
Part of the Blackpool side that finished in what is to date still the clubs highest-ever League position when they finished as First Division (then the top flight in England) runners-up in the 1955-56 season
Appointed Lord President of the Council, 2nd term
A 3-1 result over Birmingham City brings Manchester City the trophy under McDowall.
Elected Member of Parliament for Taunton
Elected Member of Parliament for Leeds North-East
Publication of "Men & Power"
Appointed Head of MI5
Brown's family moves to Kirkcaldy, where his father serves as a Church of Scotland minister.
Eden compares Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal with the nationalism of Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler 20 yrs earlier
During Anthony Eden's government, frank Parsons performs the first kidney dialysis at Leeds General Infirmary, where the first artificial kidney unit in the UK opens.
The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: Frank Parsons performs the first kidney dialysis at Leeds General Infirmary, where the first artificial kidney unit in the UK opens.
This NHS development occurs while Anthony Eden serves as Prime Minister: Frank Parsons performs the first kidney dialysis at Leeds General Infirmary, where the first artificial kidney unit in the UK opens.
During Anthony Eden's government, the polio immunisation programme begins.
The Conservative Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: The polio immunisation programme begins.
This NHS development occurs while Anthony Eden serves as Prime Minister: The polio immunisation programme begins.
Healey opposes the Conservative government’s military intervention during the Suez Crisis.
Condemns the Suez intervention at a Labour meeting in Birmingham.
Appointed Party Leader of the Liberal Party
Launches a sweep of the Troodos Mountains for EOKA terrorists
Introduces Premium Bonds
Appears in Privates Progress
1st film as Major Hitchcock in John and Roy Boultings Privates Progress, gave birth to his catchphrase, "youre an absolute shower", and made him a favourite in British comedy films for the next decade
John Lennon forms his first group, The Quarrymen
Appointed President of the Royal Academy
Stars in Sailor Beware
Appointed Secretary of the Transport & General Workers Union, a left winger
Appointed Secretary to Harold Wilson
Appointedretary to Harold Wilson
Appointed Minister of Defence
Appointed Shadow Chancellor
Becomes Shadow Foreign Secretary under Gaitskell.
Appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary of the Labour Party
The Canal owners, Compagnie universelle du canal maritime de Suez, held a secret meeting between Israel, France & Britain at Sevres, outside Paris
This record states: Eden compares Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal with the nationalism of Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler 20 yrs earlier.
This record states: The Allies agree Israel should invade & Britain & France would intervene & instruct the Israeli & Egyptian armies to withdraw 10 miles either side of the canal.
This record states: The Canal owners, Compagnie universelle du canal maritime de Suez, held a secret meeting between Israel, France & Britain at Sevres, outside Paris.
This record states: The US will support Britain if it accepts the United Nations solution, the pound collapses.
Opposes the Conservative government's military intervention during the Suez Crisis.
Uses Tribune to oppose the British government's Suez intervention.
Healey criticises the Conservative government's Suez policy from the Labour benches.
Criticises the Conservative government's handling of the Suez crisis.
Moves to Sunderland for a transfer fee of pounds 22,000
Appears in The Battle of the River Plate. Appears in Privates Progress
Sellers performs the character Henry Crun in The Case of the Mukkinese Battle Horn.
Sellers portrays Inspector Quilt in The Case of the Mukkinese Battle Horn.
Sellers plays Sid Crimp in the Goon-influenced short The Case of the Mukkinese Battle Horn.
Sellers portrays Sir Jervis Fruit in The Case of the Mukkinese Battle Horn.
Publication of "The Future of Socialism", revisionist socialist vision of politics
Publication of "The Future of Socialism", revisionist socialist vision of politics
The Green Man is a 1956 British comedy-drama film based on the play Meet A Body by Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat, who produced and adapted the big-screen version
The Green Man is a 1956 British comedy-drama film based on the play Meet A Body by Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat, who produced and adapted the big-screen version
Sellers supplies the voice of Winston Churchill in The Man Who Never Was.
Ramseys second season in charge led to the 3rd Division South title, Ipswichs second at that level, and promotion to the Second Division
Signs for Vic Buckinghams West Bromwich Albion, the transfer fee of œ25,000 is a club record for Albion at the time
Issues an ultimatum to Egypt & Israel to withdraw forces from the Suez Canal
This page is generated from stored World History Database records matching the exact country and year shown above. Exact duplicate display records are collapsed. Records without a month are listed after the monthly sections. Source provenance varies by record; formal academic citation should be checked against the relevant primary source, archive or specialist historical reference.