August 27

1776:

Battle of Long Island, in present day Brooklyn, New York British forces under General William Howe defeat Americans under General George Washington.

1813:

Napoleon defeats the Austrians, Russians and Prussians at the Battle of Dresden.

1828:

The Russians defeat the Turks at Akhaltzikke.

1861:

U.S. Civil War: Union forces attack Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

1896:

The shortest war in history (0902h - 0940h) between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar. Zanzibar surrenders.

1928:

Kellogg-Briang Pact: 15 nations (including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, USA - and later most members of the League of Nations) agree to renounce war as a means of settling international disputes; but agree there is no means of enforcing t

1944:

MONTECICCARDO, effective dates for battle honour begin (to 28 Aug 44)

1979:

An IRA bomb kills Lord Mountbatten and 3 others on holiday in Sligo, Republic of Ireland. Another near Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland kills 18 British soldiers.