August 23rd in History

1793: In France, the first ever national conscription introduced for unmarried men from ages 18 to 25
1914: Emperor of Japan declares war on Germany
1940: German bombers begin night time attacks (The Blitz) on London

August 23rd birthdays

1912: Gene Kelly, Hollywood song and dance man, also producer/director
1947: Willy Russell, Playwright; 'Educating Rita' and Shirley Valentine'
1949: Shelly Long, American actress