Events from the year 1918 in the United Kingdom. This year sees the end of the First World War after four years, which Britain and its allies won (beginning the Interwar period), and a major advance in women's suffrage. Incumbents Monarch – George V Prime Minister – David Lloyd George (Coalition) Parliament – 30th (until 25 November) Events 12 January Minnie Pit disaster, a mining accident at Halmer End in the North Staffordshire Coalfield, kills 155 as the result of an explosion caused by firedamp. Admiralty M-class destroyers and run aground and are wrecked off Orkney in a severe storm with only one survivor. 15 January – the keel of is laid on Tyneside, the first purpose-designed aircraft carrier to be laid down. 28 January – night of unusually heavy bombing in London and south-east England. 31 January – "Battle of May Island": in a confused series of collisions as a large Royal Navy fleet steams down the Firth of Forth this evening, submarines and are sunk, three other submarines and a light cruiser are damaged and 104 men are killed. 6 February – Representation of the People Act gives women the vote provided they are over 30 and are (or are married to) a local government elector. It also removes most property qualifications, giving all adult (over-21) male resident householders the vote, and requires elections to be restricted to a single day. Many conscientious objectors are barred from voting until 5 years after the end of the war. 1 March – armed merchant cruiser is torpedoed and sunk off Rathlin Island, Ireland, by Imperial German Navy U-boat SM U-19 with the loss of 49 lives. 23 March – in London at the Wood Green Empire, Chung Ling Soo (William E Robinson, US-born magician) dies during his trick where he was supposed to "catch" two separate bullets – one of them perforates his lung. He dies the following morning in hospital. 1 April – the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service are merged to form the Royal Air Force; the Royal Air Force; the Women's Royal Air Force is also founded to provide mechanics. 23 April Conscription Crisis of 1918 in Ireland: a general strike is held here against conscription. Zeebrugge Raid, an attempt by the Royal Navy to seal off the German U-boat base here. 9 May – Maurice Debate in the House of Commons. June