In North Africa… Rommel adopts his subordinates' plan to prepare a surprise counteroffensive against the British. Neither the German nor the Italian High Command are informed of the plans. Rommel has continued to receive new tanks during the retreat. The Australian divisions and the British 7th Armored Brigade have been scheduled to leave the area for service in the Far East against Japan.

From London… General Simovic resigns and Professor Yonvanvic becomes Premier of the Yugoslavian Government in exile. He takes Colonel Mihajlovic as Minister for War.

In the Dutch East Indies… After fierce fighting, the Japanese take Tarakan. Tarakan and Manado islands are quickly made into air fields to support the Japanese attack.

In Malaysia… Japanese troop enter Kuala Lumpur.