Axis Diplomacy

Italy and Germany ask that American consulates be closed in response to the American action taken on June 16.

Baltic Sea

German warships begin laying mines in the Baltic, and German U-boats move to their war stations.

Battle of the Atlantic

After leaving Convoy HG-64 the British steamer Empire Warrior (1306t) is sunk in a German air attack about 3 miles off Guadiana Bar, Gulf of Cadiz. The entire crew is rescued by a Portuguese destroyer. The same fate fell to another ship from the same convoy, the Swedish steamer Gunda (1770t). Her entire crew is picked up by the British steamer Peterel and the British anti-submarine trawler Imperialist.

Italian East Africa

The British increase their efforts on the Italian positions at Gondar and Debra Tabor.

Mediterranean

Over the next 3 weeks ending July 12, Australian and British destroyers and sloops carry out frequent night supply troop transport missions from Alexandria and Mersa Matruh to Tobruk. Sunk by Axis aircraft during the operation are the sloop Auckland and the destroyers Waterlieu and Defender.

Soviet Union, Home Front

The Soviets order a black-out of all major cities and towns near the border.

Syria

There is heavy fighting just outside Damascus at Mezze where the Vichy forces manage to cut off and eventually eliminate an Indian battalion.