In the Mediterranean… Near Crete, the cruiser Calcutta is sunk by German aircraft during the evacuation operations. Altogether 18,600 men are taken off but casualties and prisoners in the battle for the island amount to another 15,000 from the land forces and 2000 from the navy. About 600 more men will escape later. The largest groups of prisoners are the 5000 men who are captured when the Germans take Sfakia on this day and the garrison of Retimo who do not receive evacuation instructions. The British forces lose three cruisers and six destroyers. In addition two battleships, one carrier and numerous cruisers and destroyers have been damaged. The Germans admit casualties of 7000 from their force – a very high proportion of them deaths. Hitler decides that such large-scale airborne operations should not be repeated even though the result has been a brilliant success.

In Iraq… British forces enter Baghdad. Regent Emir Abdul Illah, the uncle of King Faisal, returns to the country.

In North Africa… Air Marshal Tedder takes command of the RAF forces in the Middle East. The majority of the German 15th Panzer Division has now joined Rommel's force.

In the North Atlantic… The US Coastguard begins patrol operations off the southern Greenland coast. Only four ships are involved at this stage.

In Britain… It is announced that measures for clothes rationing are being prepared.