British tropps surrender to the Afrika Korps
after the fall of Tobruk

June 10-13
Africa, Libya

Axis forces have created a fortified area ('the Cauldron') inside the Allied lines. Following the Free French withdrawal from Bir Hacheim on the 10th-11th, Axis armor advances east from the Cauldron to threaten the entire Eighth Army. British commander General Neil Ritchie orders a withdrawal on the 13th.

June 18
Politics, Allies
At the Second Washington Conference in the United States, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt try to agree a strategy in Europe for 1942-43. Conditions appear unsuitable for a 'Second Front' in France, so Churchill proposes a North African invasion. In July, Roosevelt accepts that Europe cannot yet be attacked and agrees to Churchill's North African option, later code-named Operation Torch. Cooperation in nuclear research is also agreed on.

Air War, Germany
Britain launches a '1000 Bomber' raid on Bremen.

June 21
Africa, Libya
Following the Allied withdrawal into Egypt, the Tobruk garrison suddenly falls following German land and air attacks. Some 30,000 men, rations, and fuel are seized. Newly-promoted Field Marshal Erwin Rommel continues chasing the retreating Allies, taking Mersa Matruh on the 28th. General Sir Claude Auchinleck, British Middle East commander, takes personal charge of the Eighth Army and establishes a fortified line. This runs inland for 40 miles (64 km) from El Alamein on the coast to the impassable Quattara Depression. Rommel fails to penetrate the position, and the Front stabilizes as his lines of supply in the Mediterranean are being strained by British air and sea attacks, assisted by intelligence from codebreaking.

June 25
Politics, United States
Major General Dwight D. Eisenhower assumes command of US forces in Europe.

June 28
Eastern Front, Ukraine
Germany launches its summer offensive, with its Army Group South attacking east from Kursk toward Voronezh, which falls nine days later.

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