Chronology of World War II
German exploiting gains on Crete
Friday, May 23, 1941 www.onwar.com

German paratroopers attacking near MalemeIn the Mediterranean... On Crete, the Germans continue to exploit their hold on Maleme, sending in artillery units and fighter aircraft. In the naval battles offshore, the destroyers Kelly and Kashmir (part of Lord Mountbatten's 5th Destroyer Flotilla) are sunk by the Germans while they are withdrawing.

In the North Atlantic... The German battleship Bismark and her consort, Prinz Eugen, are sighted in the Denmark Strait by the patrolling British cruisers Norfolk and Suffolk. British radar equipment plays an important part in the interception.
This chronological study of the Second World War provides a comprehensive day-by-day account of WWII. While focused on the military history of the war, with an emphasis on the battles and campaigns fought, the timeline includes social and political history as well. Some Holocaust related events are already recorded and additional updates are pending. In so far as possible, the images included in this presentation are pictures from the given days. Additional information and images are welcome through the feedback form found on the index.