March 4

1747:

Born on this date Count Casimir Pulaski, soldier, American Revolutionary War general.

1814:

Americans defeat British at Battle of Longwoods; between London and Thamesville.

1941:

British naval raid on German-occupied Lofoten Islands off Norway sinks eleven German ships

1942:

The submarine HMS Torbay, under Commander Miers, followed an Axis convoy and succeeded in penetrating the heavily defended anchorage at Corfu. Torbay proceeded to fire torpedoes at two large transports and a destroyer - both transports were reported sunk - then retreated out to sea under very heavy depth charge attack. Torbay escaped successfully, and Miers was awarded the Victoria Cross for the exploit.

1943:

HMC Ships ST. CROIX and SHEDIAC team up to attack and sink U-87 200 miles west of Portugal. This is the same submarine that was attacked by shore based aircraft after being spotted on the surface in the approaches to Halifax harbour boldly just a few months before.

1944:

First major USAAF raid on Berlin

1944:

Soviet offensive on Belorussian front begins

1991:

Saddam Hussein releases 6 US, 3 British and 1 Italian POW.