In North Africa... The South African infantry retreating from the Gazala line narrowly misses the German 5th Panzer Division which blocks the main road east of Tobruk. The 21st Panzer Division reaches Sidi Rezegh.

In the Mediterranean... The convoy from Gibraltar on its way to Malta (Operation Harpoon) continues with only a close escort of cruisers and destroyers. It is attacked by an Italian force and subjected to heavy air attacks as well. Two destroyers and three merchant ships are sunk. Only two merchant ships reach Malta. The convoy from Egypt fares no better; air attacks sink two destroyers and damage a cruiser. Of 11 merchants ships only 6 are still afloat. Word arrives of the approach of the Italian battleships  Littorio and Vittorio Veneto escorted by destroyers and cruisers. Consequently, the convoy turns back to Egypt. Allied aircraft locate and damage the Littorio and an allied submarine sinks the Italian heavy cruiser Trento. Many of the Axis planes that are used in the action are from North Africa and their temporary withdrawal gives some respite to the British 8th Army in North Africa.