On this day in history http://www.bbc.co.uk/history Important dates on this day in history en-us Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:22:13 BST Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:22:13 BST history@bbc.co.uk history@bbc.co.uk 1940: The Battle of Britain begins with German air raids on British ports and shipping. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/battle_of_britain_01.shtml Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:22:13 BST 1962: Telstar, the world's first communications satellite, is launched into orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:22:13 BST 1985: The Greenpeace ship 'Rainbow Warrior' is sunk in Auckland, New Zealand, by the French secret service. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:22:13 BST