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Vintage Video - Death of Suffragette at Epsom Derby, 1913

With the British suffragette movement gathering strength - and public profile - during the early years of the 20th century, its most prominent advocates took to undertaking increasingly violent public stunts as a means of further drawing attention - if not necessarily public sympathy - for their cause.  These included setting fire to post-boxes, breaking windows at the homes of Cabinet ministers and chaining themselves to railings.

On 4 June 1913, during the famed Epsom Derby horserace, one such suffragette, the militant Emily Davison, guaranteed extensive nationwide publicity for the suffragette cause by throwing herself underneath the King's horse Anmer during the race.  Fracturing her skull, Davison died from her injuries several days later.

Use the player above to view footage of this incident.

Stormtroopers comprised specially trained German assault troops used in 1918.

- Did you know?

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