November 20: Fun Facts about Today in History

(November 20, 1820)
The Essex (an American whaling ship) was rammed by an 80-ton sperm whale and sank subsequently, creating the climax scene in Herman Melville's Moby Dick (1851). photo source: wikimedia.org

(November 20, 1917)
At the Battle of Cambrai, the British deployed tanks effectively for the first time in warfare. British forces score early gains over German lines, but are eventually repulsed. photo source: wikimedia.org

(November 20, 1947)
At Westminster Abbey in London, Princess Elizabeth marries Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, who later becomes the Duke of Edinburgh. photo source: wikimedia.org

(November 20, 1992)
A big fire broke out at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England, destroying 115 rooms but leaving the priceless art collection largely unharmed; the damage took nearly five years to rebuild. photo source: wikimedia.org