January 07

On January 7, 1904, the Marconi Company established CQD as the first widely adopted wireless distress signal for ships at sea. The code provided a standardized warning in emergencies and greatly improved radio safety. Despite its initial success, it proved cumbersome compared to the later SOS code, which was introduced at the 1906 International Radiotelegraphic Convention. CQD remained in use for a time, including on the RMS Titanic in 1912. The shift from CQD to SOS represents a key moment in maritime safety and radio technology. International agreement on SOS simplified distress communications and saved countless lives in subsequent decades.

On January 7, 1927, American and British telephone companies inaugurated the first commercial transatlantic telephone service. Utilizing radio-relay stations and submarine cables, subscribers could place direct long-distance calls between New York City and London for the first time. The initial service carried voice traffic at limited capacity and high rates, reflecting the technological challenges of crossing the ocean. Despite these hurdles, the achievement marked a milestone in global communications and business connectivity. Over the following decades, improvements in infrastructure expanded call volume and reliability. This pioneering service laid the foundation for the interconnected world telephone network of today.

On January 7, 1931, Australian aviator Guy Menzies completed the first solo non-stop flight across the Tasman Sea, departing Sydney in a de Havilland Gipsy Moth. After 11 hours and 45 minutes in the air, Menzies encountered poor visibility and became lost in dense fog off the New Zealand coast. He survived a crash landing in thick scrub near New Plymouth without serious injury. His pioneering flight demonstrated the potential for long-distance air travel between Australia and New Zealand. The journey captivated the public and inspired further advances in commercial airline routes across the region. Menzies’s achievement remains a landmark in the history of early aviation.

On January 7, 1972, a Sud Aviation SE 210 Caravelle operating as Iberia Flight 602 crashed on approach to Ibiza Airport. All 104 people aboard, including passengers and crew, lost their lives in the tragic accident. Investigations cited pilot error, navigational issues, and potentially adverse weather conditions as factors. The disaster prompted a thorough safety review of airline procedures and air traffic controls in the Balearic region. It remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Spanish history. Subsequent improvements in flight instrumentation and crew training aimed to prevent similar tragedies.