Tuesday, 18th June 1940 in London
Welcome to your daily snapshot of London! It's International Sushi Day and Sustainable Gastronomy Day. Explore 53 historical events, birthdays, deaths, and milestones that shaped this day in London. From remarkable moments in local and world history to the people who left their mark — find out what makes today special. Today's weather in London brings cloudy with temperatures between 12°C and 23°C. Tonight's moon is in its waning crescent phase, and the zodiac sign of the day is Gemini. If you're curious about the history of a day — this page brings together everything worth knowing about this Tuesday, 18th June in London, GB.

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, stands as one of the world's most significant historical and political centres, strategically positioned along the River Thames in south-east England. The city has served as the backdrop for countless pivotal moments in European history, from its role during global conflicts to its influence on international affairs.
On Tuesday, 18th June 1940, London experienced cloudy conditions whilst the city grappled with the weight of wartime uncertainty. The moon was in its waning crescent phase, and astrologically, the date fell under the sign of Gemini. On this same date in 1940, French General Charles de Gaulle delivered his Appeal of 18 June speech from London, a broadcast that would become instrumental in galvanising resistance against Nazi occupation. His words provided a rallying point for those determined to continue the fight and are widely regarded as marking the ideological birth of the French Resistance movement.
More than a century earlier, in 1815, another defining military moment unfolded across the English Channel when Napoleon faced his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in present-day Belgium. This conclusive encounter fundamentally altered the political landscape of Europe and marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The strategic significance of these two military events, separated by generations but both intimately connected to European liberty and sovereignty, underscores how 18 June has repeatedly emerged as a date of substantial historical consequence.
DayAtlas provides comprehensive information about weather conditions on specific dates, notable events, and the births and deaths of significant figures throughout history. Users can explore any date and location to discover the meteorological conditions, historical occurrences, and prominent individuals associated with that particular day.
Find out what's happening today in London.
What the Weather Had in Store for London on 18th June 1940
Six hands build what one mind alone could never imagine.
Fortune of the Day
18th June in the Stars – Star Sign Pisces
Personality Profile
Personality Those born on 18 June blend Gemini curiosity with Venusian grace. They're communicative and socially refined, yet less anxious than typical Twins. A quiet elegance and appreciation for beauty set these thinkers apart.
Strengths & Weaknesses Their strengths are adaptability, intellectual wit, and people skills. They excel as connectors and mediators. Weaknesses include superficiality and scattered focus; restlessness can strain relationships if unchecked.
Love These natives seek both mental and aesthetic connection with partners. Venus infuses them with tenderness and sensuality beyond mere chat. Romance thrives on shared interests, conversation, and cultural appreciation.
Caree & Finance Ideal paths include media, design, diplomacy, or the arts. Communication talent and harmony sense open many doors. Financial success comes through versatility, though focus and follow-through matter most.
Health Nervous tension can disrupt sleep and digestion. Regular exercise, breathing practice, and creative outlets stabilize mood. A calm environment and emotional depth support long-term wellbeing.
That night, the moon was in its waning crescent phase.
Chinese year of the Dragon (Metal).
Fun Facts About 18th June
Name Days in Your Language: Effie, Efrain, Eph, Ephraim, Marina, Marnie, Nevaeh
Someone born on this day in 1940 would be 85 years old today — just 31,344 days into life, which is roughly 752,263 hours, 45,135,793 minutes, or 2,708,147,580 seconds spent on Earth so far.
It's the 170. day of the year.
As this is a leap year, there are 196 days still to come.
We’re currently in Week 25 — the year marches on.
Famous Birthdays on 18th June
- Barry Evans, English actor (died 1997) (1943)
- Raffaella Carrà, Italian singer, dancer, and actress (died 2021) (1943)
- Éva Marton, Hungarian soprano and actress (1943)
- John Bellany, Scottish painter (died 2013) (1942)
- Roger Ebert, American journalist, critic, and screenwriter (died 2013) (1942)
- Pat Hutchins, English author and illustrator (died 2017) (1942)
- Thabo Mbeki, South African politician and 2nd President of South Africa (1942)
- Paul McCartney, English singer-songwriter and guitarist (1942)
- Richard Perry, American record producer (died 2024) (1942)
- Carl Radle, American bass player and producer (died 1980) (1942)
Lives Remembered on 18th June
- James Chance, American musician (born 1953) (2024)
- Anouk Aimée, French actress (born 1932) (2024)
- Yoyong Martirez, Filipino basketball player (born 1946) (2024)
- Willie Mays, American baseball player (born 1931) (2024)
- Notable victims of the Titan submersible implosion: (2023)
- Notable victims of the Titan submersible implosion: (2023)
- Notable victims of the Titan submersible implosion: (2023)
- Notable victims of the Titan submersible implosion: (2023)
- Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, Danish politician, minister of foreign affairs (born 1941) (2022)
- Adibah Noor, Malaysian actress, singer, master of ceremonies (born 1970) (2022)
Celebrations & Special Days Worldwide on 18th June
- Autistic Pride Day (International)
- Christian feast day: Bernard Mizeki (Anglican and Episcopal Church)
- Christian feast day: Elisabeth of Schönau
- Christian feast day: Gregorio Barbarigo
- Christian feast day: Leontius, Hypatius and Theodulus
- Christian feast day: Marina the Monk (Maronite Church, Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria)
- Christian feast day: Mark and Marcellian
- Christian feast day: June 18 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
- Foundation Day (Benguet)
- Human Rights Day (Azerbaijan)
- National Day (Seychelles)
- Queen Mother's Birthday (Cambodia)
- Waterloo Day (United Kingdom)
What Happened on 18th June?
- Titan, a submersible operated by OceanGate Expeditions, imploded while attempting to view the wreck of the Titanic, killing all five people on board including OceanGate co-founder and CEO Stockton Rush in the North Atlantic Ocean. (2023)
- An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 strikes northern Osaka. (2018)
- The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), a NASA robotic spacecraft is launched. (2009)
- The Charleston Sofa Super Store fire happened in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine firefighters. (2007)
- The first Kazakh space satellite, KazSat-1 is launched. (2006)
- Propair Flight 420 crashes near Montréal–Mirabel International Airport in Quebec, Canada, killing 11. (1998)
- The Troubles: Members of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) attack a crowded pub with assault rifles in Loughinisland, Northern Ireland. Six Catholic civilians are killed and five wounded. It was crowded with people watching the 1994 FIFA World Cup. (1994)
- A major clash between about 5,000 police and a similar number of striking miners takes place at Orgreave, South Yorkshire, during the 1984–85 UK miners' strike. (1984)
- Space Shuttle program: STS-7, Astronaut Sally Ride becomes the first American woman in space. (1983)
- Mona Mahmudnizhad, together with nine other women of the Baháʼí Faith, is sentenced to death and hanged in Shiraz, Iran over her religious beliefs. (1983)