In the Balkans… Greek Commander in Chief Papagos recommends that the Allies leave and permission for the evacuation is given from London.

In East Africa… The 1st South African Brigade is fighting Italians in defensive positions south of Dessie.

In North Africa… Three battleships from the Mediterranean Fleet shell Tripoli on their return from escorting a Malta convoy. Cunningham has only undertaken this operation under protest and with direct orders from Churchill. At first Churchill wished to try to block the post by sinking the battleship Barham in the entrance to Tripoli Harbor.