03 September

[Anav]

1782 - As a token of gratitude for French aid during the American Revolution, the United States gives America (first ship-of-the-line built by U.S.) to France to replace a French ship lost in Boston.
1783 - Signing of the Treaty of Paris ends the American Revolution.

[David Manley]

For those of you with an interest in small ship actions (like me) the fascinating series of battles around St George's Caye began on this day in 1798. This series of actions culminated in a final action on September 10th which is celebrated as Belize's National Day.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_St._George%27s_Caye

fwiw I've run a campaign based on this after a chance reading about it in Rowland White's "Phoenix Squadron" book some years ago. Great fun :)

[Coog]

1782 - As a token of gratitude for French aid during the American Revolution, the United States gives America (first ship-of-the-line built by U.S.) to France to replace a French ship lost in Boston.

It turned out the America was not much of a gift. A bit over three years later, she was carefully examined by a survey committee which found her damaged by dry rot beyond economical repair, probably caused by her wartime construction from green timber. But I guess it is the thought that counts.:)

Ironically the French replaced her with a new ship named America, a Téméraire-class 74-gun ship of the line, only to have the Royal Navy capture her in 1794 at the Battle of the Glorious First of June. She then served with the British under the name HMS Impetueux until she was broken up in 1813. She became the prototype for the Royal Navy America-class ship of the line.

[David Manley]

Oh, and also:

1925 – USS Shenandoah destroyed in a squall line over Noble County, Ohio (Shenandoah was an airship)
1939 - The UK entered WW2
1943 - Operation Baytown: Allied landings in mainland Italy commence with British and Canadian troops of the 8th Army going ashore at Reggio de Calabria