Air Operations, Europe

The Scharnhorst is hit 5 times by bombs from a force of 15 Halifax bombers while lying in the port of La Pallice, a German naval base on the Bay of Biscay. The repairs will not be completed until 1942. Since Prinz Eugen had been hit earlier in the month and Gneisenau is under repair, this means that none of the German heavy ships in and around Brest is fit for operations in the near future.

Eastern Front

After heavy fighting the Soviet recapture Velikiye Luki.

A downed German bomber Dornier Do-17Z of KG-2, which fell in the Demidov, Smolensk region.

Downed German Dornier Do-17Z

Heavy losses and a lack of supplies compel the 6th and 12th Armies to abandon their break out efforts. Most rifle divisions inside the pocket are down to fewer than 4,000 men. Kirponos, in no position to support the faltering armies, request permission to subordinated the armies to the South Front.

Japan, Policy

In line with the Imperial Conference decision of July 2, the Japanese presented an ultimatum to the representatives of the Vichy government on the 19th demanding bases in southern Indochina. This demand is now conceded. The Japanese forces begin to occupy the bases on the 28th. It is very clear that the main use for such bases would be in an invasion of Malaya, the East Indies or the Philippines.

Mediterranean

Before reaching Malta 1 transport of the Substance convoy is hit. Empty ships from previous trips join Force H for the return to Gibraltar where they arrive on July 27.