In China… General Stilwell is nominated as Chief of Staff to Chiang Kai-shek.

In North Africa… Rommel's second offensive begins. Cautious probing reveals that the British are ill situated and the German attacks meet with quick success. The Germans employ 100 tanks in their drive advancing to El Agheila on the inland flank while German and Italian infantry advance along the coast. The British forward defenses are manned by a Guard Brigade and part of 1st Armored Division. The attack when it comes, comes as a surprise.

In Malaysia… the Allied forces begin a retreat south of the Muar River. They have taken heavy losses. The 45th and 15th Brigades have been almost wiped out in the fighting. Japanese air raids on Singapore increase in intensity, as the few British Hurricane fighters are outmatched by Japanese Zeros.