Here’s our regularly-updated selection of films that may be of use to news editors and journalists in covering important anniversaries, contextualising current events or illustrating trending topics.

 

 
 
Pirate Radio Outlawed
 
On 14 August 1967, the Marine Broadcasting (Offences) Act was enforced in the UK, outlawing ‘pirate’ and offshore radio stations. Take a look back at one of the most famous broadcasters, Radio Caroline, here.

 
Pakistan Gains Independence
 
On 14 August 1947, Pakistan gained independence from Britain, becoming a sovereign nation. Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the country’s first leader.
 
 
 
India Gains Independence
 
India gained independence from Britain on 15 August 1947. Some parts of the country had been under British administration, control or influence for 190 years. 
 
 
VJ Day
 
On 15 August 1945, Japan’s surrender was announced, and Allied nations celebrated VJ Day (Victory Over Japan Day). Japan signed a peace treaty on 2nd September, 1945, which officially ended WW2.
 
 
T. E. Lawrence’s Birthday
 
T. E. Lawrence (‘of Arabia’) would have celebrated his birthday on 16 August. This year it is the 130th Anniversary of his birth. Take a look back at his life with this archive collection.
 
 
Korea Divided
 
Following the surrender of Japan at the end of WW2, on 17 August 1945, Korea was divided. The USSR occupied the North, and America occupied the South.
 
 
‘The Hardest Day’
 
The 18 August 1940 is recognised as ‘The Hardest Day’ during the Battle of Britain, with the Luftwaffe and RAF losing more aircraft combined on this day than any other during the campaign.
 
 
Prague Spring Suppressed
 
On 20 August 1968, Soviet forces invaded Czechoslovakia, in order to suppress the ‘Prague Spring’. Take a look back at the spring with this archive collection.
 
 
Hawaii Becomes the 50th State
 
On 21 August 1959, Hawaii joined the United States of America as the 50th state in the Union. Take a look back at the region’s history here.
 
 
 
The Battle of Stalingrad
 
On 23 August 1942, the Battle of Stalingrad began. It would be the first major setback the German army suffered, and a definitive turning point of WW2.
 
 
 
‘Confrontation Day’ at HUAC
 
25 August marks the 70th Anniversary of’Confrontation Day’ at the House Un-American Affairs Committee in 1940. Alger Hiss and Whittaker Chambers faced eachother over allegations that they had both spied on America for the Soviet Union.