15th September Quiz (Questions only)

1. On 15 September 1830, the world's first inter-city passenger railway opened in England. A government minister was killed by a locomotive at the opening. Name the railway, the minister, and the famous locomotive that hit him.

2. On 15 September 1835, HMS Beagle reached a group of Pacific islands whose finches and tortoises later inspired Darwin's ideas. Which islands?

3. On 15 September 1916, a new weapon was used in battle for the first time, at Flers-Courcelette during the Battle of the Somme. What was it?

4. In Britain, 15 September is commemorated as which "Day", marking a decisive air battle over London in 1940?

5. On 15 September 2008, a giant American investment bank filed for the biggest bankruptcy in US history, deepening the global financial crisis. Which bank?

6. Five Central American countries celebrate their independence from Spain on 15 September, dating from 1821. Name three of them.

7. On 15 September 2017, a NASA spacecraft ended its 20-year mission by deliberately plunging into the planet it had been studying. Name the spacecraft and the planet.

8. A crime writer born in Torquay on 15 September 1890 created two famous detectives. Name the writer and both detectives.

9. Two American Oscar winners were born on exactly the same day, 15 September 1946: an actor famous for "No Country for Old Men" and "The Fugitive", and the director of "Platoon". Name both.

10. An Italian-born car maker born in Milan on 15 September 1881 founded a company in Alsace famous for luxury sports cars. Who was he?