Air Operations, Europe

In minelaying operations, 33 Wellingtons and 15 Stirlings are sent to the Biscay ports, but poor weather allows only 18 aircraft to lay mines. There are no losses.

Air Operations, New Guinea

22nd Medium Bomb Group B-26s attack the airfield at Lae.

Diplomatic Relations

Japan agrees to a request by the International Red Cross for a representative to visit British PoWs.

The King inspects an airborne jeep fitted with a Vickers machine-gun during a visit to airborne forces in Southern Command, 21 May 1942. With him is Major-General Frederick 'Boy' Browning, GOC 1st Airborne Division.

King George Visits Airborne Forces

Eastern Front

Throughout the day the 57th Army fights a fierce defensive battle, preventing its isolation by the German armor. The III Panzer Corps, however, has unexpectedly turned north, away from the smaller encirclement of the 57th to the larger isolation of the entire Izyum groupont, Meanwhile, the 3rd and 23rd Panzer Divisions prepare to attack from Balakleya in order to link up with the III Panzer Corps. By the end of the day, the corridor to the east has been halved. The fate of the Soviet troops in the Izyum salient appears bleak.

Germany, Planning

Operation Herkules, the planned German airborne invasion of Malta, put forward by the Axis commanders, is postponed by Hitler until after the capture of Egypt. The Axis forces in North Africa are now preparing for an offensive to take Egypt.

India, Home Front

In an attack like 4 days earlier Hurs stop a bus at Mirpukhas and slaughter 13 passengers. (see June 1, 1942)

Philippines

The Japanese land in Leyte Gulf.