March 27-30
Politics, Yugoslavia
A coup by air force officers deposes Prince Paul's pro-Axis administration. King Peter II takes nominal charge of the country and General Dusan Simovic becomes head of government. The events alarm the Axis powers, chiefly Germany.

Adolf Hitler responds to the overthrow of Prince Paul by issuing Directive No. 25, the order for the invasion of Yugoslavia, which will commence alongside the attack on Greece, code-named Operation Marita. Hitler approves of the army's proposals for the invasions, both of which are scheduled to begin on April 6.

March 27
Africa, Eritrea
The Battle of Keren, in northeast Eritrea, ends with Italian forces being forced to retreat toward the capital Asmara. The Italians lose 3000 men compared to British fatalities of 536. Asmara falls five days later.

March 28-29
Sea War, Aegean
The Italian fleet sails into the Aegean Sea to disrupt British convoys to Greece. A British force led by Admiral Henry Pridham-Wippell engages some Italian cruisers in a long-range bombardment. The Italians retire, fearing the presence of more enemy vessels.

Their fears are realized when the main British force, led by Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, sends two torpedo-bombers from the carrier Formidable to attack the Italian naval vessels. They damage the battleship Vittorio Veneto and cripple the cruiser Pola. Three British battleships then engage two cruisers sent to cover the Pola. The Battle of Cape Matapan claims five Italian ships sunk and 3000 men killed. The British lose just one aircraft in the action.

March 30
Politics, United States
The authorities confiscate 65 Axis ships, which are immediately taken into 'protective custody'.

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