In the Mediterranean... The British try to run a convoy through the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to Egypt. Churchill is the driving force behind this decision and has ordered the operation because he wishes the supplies and tanks carried in the ships to form the basis of an offensive in the desert. The operation is code named Tiger. There are five transports. On May 6th they pass Gibraltar and are joined by one battleship, a carrier from Force H and another battleship which is to go on to join the Mediterranean Fleet. With these heavy units are four cruisers and seven destroyers. Six more destroyers join the convoy from Gibraltar. Also, two convoys leave Alexandria for Malta with an escort of five cruisers and three destroyers. Cunningham takes the whole of the Mediterranean Fleet out in support with three battleships, his single carrier, three cruisers and 19 destroyers.

In Iraq... The British forces consolidate their hold on Habbaniyah airfield, driving the Iraqis back from Sin el Dhibban toward Fallujah, nearer the capital. The 21st Indian Brigade arrives at Basra.

In Moscow... The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet nominates Stalin President of the Council of People's Commissars. Previously Stalin has held only the office of general secretary of the Communist Party.