History of 27th June- Around the world



A devoted foodie with keen interest in wild life, music,…
Explore the history of 27th June, featuring the formation of the Republic of Dubrovnik, the occupation of Portugal, a remarkable solo circumnavigation by Joshua Slocum, and the world’s first aerial refueling. Join us as we delve into these historical events that shaped the world.
As I read the history of 27th June, I find that it is this day when the Republic of Dubrovnik was formed in the year 1358. Then it was this day in the year 1580 when the Duke of Alva occupied Portugal. Furthermore, in the year 1693, the first sea battle of Lagos was fought between the French and the Dutch. But the most fascinating of them all is what I shall share with you as my first story from the history of 27th June.
Around the world in a fishing boat
Many of you must have read Daniel Defoe’s famous novel, Robinson Crusoe. This story is similar to that. It is about the Canadian-American adventurer Joshua Slocum who had similar visions just like Crusoe. So here is the story.
Born on February 20, 1844, in Nova Scotia, Canada, Joshua Slocum just like Crusoe developed a deep passion for the sea from a young age. He began his seafaring career at the tender age of sixteen, working on various sailing vessels. Over the years, Slocum honed his navigational skills and gained extensive knowledge of maritime techniques, becoming an experienced sailor.
In 1895, after facing personal and financial challenges, Slocum set out on an ambitious endeavor—to sail around the world single-handedly. To accomplish this monumental feat, he painstakingly restored an aging, 37-foot sloop-rigged fishing boat named Spray. Despite its modest size and limited resources, Slocum believed in the vessel’s seaworthiness and his abilities as a mariner.
On April 24, 1895, Slocum departed from Boston, Massachusetts, embarking on his audacious voyage. He sailed southward, passing through the Caribbean and navigating treacherous waters before crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout his journey, Slocum encountered numerous challenges, including storms, unpredictable weather conditions, and encounters with pirates.
Despite the hardships, Slocum persevered and continued his voyage, making stops in various ports along the way. He explored exotic locations such as South Africa, Australia, the South Pacific islands, and South America. Slocum immersed himself in the diverse cultures and encountered countless fascinating individuals, which he chronicled in his book, “Sailing Alone Around the World,” published in 1900.
After nearly three years at sea, Joshua Slocum’s incredible journey neared its completion on June 27, 1898. The small sloop Spray glided into Newport, Rhode Island, marking the end of his historic solo circumnavigation. Slocum received a hero’s welcome upon his arrival, as news of his remarkable achievement spread worldwide. His accomplishment captured the imagination of people around the globe, inspiring future generations of adventurers and explorers.
Joshua Slocum’s pioneering voyage not only demonstrated the indomitable human spirit but also showcased the possibilities of maritime exploration. By successfully circumnavigating the Earth alone, he left an indelible mark on history, forever etching his name alongside the great explorers of the past.
Let’s move from Sea travel to Air travel with my second story from the history of 27th June.
First Aerial Refueling
Have you ever wondered if you are flying long distance by air and you run out of fuel what will you do? You need to land the plane and refuel. But that means you lose precious time. Well, this story talks about a solution. Here it goes.
On this day, 27th June 1923, a significant milestone in aviation history was achieved as Captain Lowell H. Smith and Lieutenant John P. Richter successfully performed the world’s first-ever aerial refueling. The groundbreaking event took place aboard a DH-4B biplane, marking a significant advancement in aviation technology and opening up new possibilities for long-range flight.
At the time, the concept of aerial refueling was relatively new and untested. The primary motivation behind the experiment was to extend the range of aircraft, allowing them to cover greater distances without the need for frequent refueling stops. The pioneering aviators, Capt. Smith and Lt. Richter, sought to overcome the limitations of their aircraft and explore the potential of aerial refueling as a means of pushing the boundaries of aviation.
The DH-4B biplane was chosen for the task due to its suitability for the experiment. The aircraft had an open cockpit design, which made it easier for the aviators to transfer fuel between the two planes. Additionally, the biplane’s stability and maneuverability were crucial factors in ensuring the success of the mission.
During the aerial refueling operation, the two aircraft flew in close formation, with a hose and drogue system connecting them. As the DH-4B acted as the tanker aircraft, its crew expertly transferred fuel to the receiver aircraft, effectively replenishing its fuel reserves while in flight. This feat required exceptional skill, precision, and coordination between the two pilots involved.
The success of this pioneering achievement marked a turning point in aviation history, revolutionizing the possibilities for long-distance flight. Aerial refueling eliminated the need for frequent landings to refuel, enabling aircraft to travel greater distances without interruption. This breakthrough innovation would go on to play a crucial role in military operations, aerial reconnaissance, and eventually commercial aviation, providing the foundation for long-range air travel as we know it today.
That’s all for today, but before I say goodbye, please join me in saluting the legendary musician, composer, and singer Rahul Deb Burman on his Birth Anniversary. On this ocassion we also share few songs by Chayanchit Das an ardent fan of Maestro.
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A devoted foodie with keen interest in wild life, music, cinema and travel Somashis has evolved over time . Being an enthusiastic reader he has recently started making occasional contribution to write-ups.