Battle of the Atlantic

The German steamer Schwalbe (842t) is lost in a stranding off the Finnish south coast.

Germany, Planning

Hitler issues Directive 20 giving orders for the further preparation of the invasion of Greece, Operation Marita. The German forces in Rumania are accordingly increased to a total of 24 divisions.

Mediterranean

• The British cruiser Coventry is damaged by the Italian sub Neghelli off the coast of Libya.
• The British submarine Truant sinks the Italian steamer Sebastino Bianchi (1546t) east-northeast of Cape Spartivento.

North Africa

A small British force has entered Libya and now cuts the road leading west from the important Italian position at Bardia.

Vichy France

Pétain dismisses and arrests Pierre Laval and appoints Pierre Flandin as foreign minister in his place.