December 26: Saint Stephen's Day (Western Christianity); Boxing Day in the Commonwealth; Wren Day in Ireland and the Isle of Man; Kwanzaa begins (African diaspora in the Americas)Flannan Isles Lighthouse1862 American Civil War: The Battle of Chickasaw Bayou began with Confederate defenders engaging Union forces who were attempting to capture the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi.1871 Thespis, the first comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, premiered at the Gaiety Theatre in London.1900 A relief crew arrived at the Flannan Isles Lighthouse (pictured) in Scotland and discovered that the previous crew had disappeared.1943 Second World War: The German battleship Scharnhorst was sunk at the Battle of the North Cape during an attempt to attack Arctic convoys.2004 A major earthquake and tsunami devastated communities around the Indian Ocean, killing an estimated 227,898 people in 14 countries.Willy Corsari (b.1897)Elizabeth David (b.1913)Milagros Benet de Mewton (d.1948)Stanisaw Kot (d.1975)More anniversaries: December 25December 26December 27ArchiveBy emailList of days of the yearAbout