1973: A young Bromley student turned pop star returned in triumph from a world tour.

David Jones had changed his surname to Bowie and won praise, particularly in the US, for his album Ziggy Stardust. Bowie attended Raglan Infants and then Bromley Technical School in Oakley Road.

1943: The reason for the appearance of Lancaster bombers over the north Kent coast a few weeks ago is revealed. They were taking part in secret trials in preparation for the raid on the Ruhr Dams led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson.

1913: Nellie Ternan, the mistress of Charles Dickens, died aged 73. The couple met in 1858 when Ellen was a struggling actress of 18 and he was 44. Ellen often came to stay with Dickens at his house at Gads Hill, Higham, and he left her £1,000 in his will when he died in 1870.