May 26-31
Africa, Libya
General Erwin Rommel attacks the Gazala Line in Libya. Italian armor strikes at Bir Hacheim, 40 miles (60 km) from the coast, but is repulsed by Free French troops. Axis tanks try to outflank the Allied lines beyond Bir Hacheim. Although the British Eighth Army has 850 tanks (plus 150 in reserve), the Axis forces deploy their 630 tanks more effectively, and their antitank guns present a serious threat. British armor and aircraft engage Axis tanks at the Knightsbridge crossroads, behind the Gazala Line. Axis armor suffers serious fuel problems until the Italians penetrate the Gazala Line to bring up fresh supplies on the 31st.

May 27
Home Front, Czechoslovakia
British-trained Czech agents attack Reinhard Heydrich, the deputy chief of the SS, who has been appointed deputy governor of occupied Czechoslovakia. Heydrich is traveling in an open-top car without an escort when the agents strike.

May 30
Air War, Germany
Britain launches its first '1000 Bomber' raid. The target is Cologne. Over 59,000 people are made homeless. The British lose 40 aircraft.

A view of the Germany city of Cologne after the British "1000 bomber" raid

May 31
Air War, Germany
British Mosquito bombers, constructed from wood, make the first of many raids over Germany.

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