Today in history on this day january 9 20250108 p5rofz.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
Advertisement
Advertisement
This was published 1 year ago

TODAY IN HISTORY: Island nation cracks down on long hair with 'Operation Snip Snip'

Nick Pearson
Nick Pearson

Powered by
January 9
1 / 6

January 9

Singapore began denying entry to the country to men with long hair on January 9, 1972.

Under Operation Snip Snip, all visitors would be denied entry to the country unless their hair cut to above their collar.

The ban was part of Singapore's efforts to keep hippies out of the country.

Soon the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that any man with hair below the collar, covering the ears or touching the eyebrows would be served last in government offices.

Attribution: National Archives of Singapore
2 / 6

A month later, Led Zeppelin decided to cancel their scheduled concerts in Singapore rather than submit to a haircut.

Attribution: Nine Archives
3 / 6

Meanwhile, the Bee Gees were immediately sent home after a performance because of their shaggy 'dos.

Attribution: Nine Archives
Advertisement
4 / 6

The last Allied troops evacuated from the Gallipoli peninsula on January 9, 1916.

After a disastrous campaign to open up another front in World War I, British, French, Australian, New Zealand, Indian and Canadian troops began their withdrawal in early December.

Anticipating the Turks would swamp the thinned-out lines, the evacuation was predicted to cost up to 30,000 casualties. 

But thanks to some cunning deceptions to hide their withdrawal, the evacuation was a stunning success.

Attribution: Imperial War Museums
5 / 6

Explorer Christopher Columbus reported a sighting of three mermaids off the coast of what is now the Dominican Republic on January 9, 1493.

Writing in his ship's journal, he noted they were "not half as beautiful as they are painted".

Attribution: Public Domain
6 / 6

Far more confident in the movie's success than the producers, Stallone was paid US$35,000 upfront for the role, so long as he got 10 per cent of the gross profits.

Rocky would go on to become the highest grossing film of 1976, and the second-highest grossing of the following year.

Attribution: United Artists
email icon

Contact us

Share a tip-off, video or photo with us

View more galleries

Most viewed in World

More to explore