In North Africa… Rommel attempts to move his tanks forces together early in the day to threaten the now-weakened British armor guarding the inland flank. After some confusion the whole British force begins to withdraw and Wavell is left to signal the failure of Operation Battleaxe to Churchill.

In Syria… Australian troops take Jezzine, just inland from Sidon. The Habforce group, which had an important role in the fighting in Iraq and is now made up of a cavalry brigade and some small infantry units, is ordered to begin an advance from Iraq due west along the main oil pipeline leading to Palmyra.

In Berlin… Hitler decides that the attack on the Soviet Union will commence on June 22, 1941.

In Iceland… A regent is appointed.