The Second War of Scottish Independence broke out in 1332 when Edward Balliol (seal pictured) led an English-backed invasion of Scotland. Balliol was crowned king but within three months was forced out of Scotland. He appealed to the English king, Edward III, who invaded Scotland in 1333 and heavily defeated a large Scottish army at the Battle of Halidon Hill. As allies of Scotland via the Auld Alliance, the French covertly supported the loyalists of David II, the Scottish king. Increasing friction caused the French king to start the Hundred Years' War. Forced to focus on the French theatre, the English lost ground in Scotland. In 1346, while Edward campaigned in France, David invaded England believing most of its previous defenders were in France. He was surprised by a sizable English force, which crushed the Scots at the Battle of Neville's Cross and captured David. After a decade of negotiation the Treaty of Berwick was signed in 1357, ending the war with the English dropping their claim of suzerainty.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_War_of_Scottish_Independence

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1924:

Gee Jon became the first person in the United States to be executed by lethal gas. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gee_Jon

1948:

The closing ceremony of the first Olympics held after World War II was held in St. Moritz, Switzerland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_Winter_Olympics

1968:

Local police in Orangeburg, South Carolina, fired into a crowd of people who were protesting segregation, killing three and injuring twenty-seven others. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orangeburg_Massacre

1983:

The Irish-bred race horse Shergar was stolen by gunmen, who demanded a £2 million ransom. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shergar

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

merit badge: (originally and chiefly US, scouting) An embroidered cloth patch awarded to a youth member of the Boy Scouts of America or other scouting organization who successfully completes an activity within an area of study (the badge bearing an image representing the activity), which is either sewn on to the sleeve of the scout's uniform or a sash worn with the uniform; hence, the award itself. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/merit_badge

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

To make your children capable of honesty is the beginning of education.   --John Ruskin https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/John_Ruskin