Western Front
BATTLE OF THE MEUSE: Panzer corps of Guderian, Hoth and Reinhardt, with strong air support, establish bridgeheads over river Meuse at Sedan, Montherme and Dinant, destroying French 9th Army and opening 50 miles (ca. 80 km) gap in the Allied line (ends May 17).
Battle of Tirlemont: French 2nd and 3rd Light Mechanized divisions engage XVI Panzer Corps (3rd and 6th Panzer divisions) northeast of Namur. After fierce all-day struggle, French retreat; both sides lose many tanks.
Air War
First unit of Dewoitine D-520 fighters (French equivalent of Spitfire Mk I) in action – over Meuse front – destroying 4 German aircraft without loss.
Home Fronts
Britain: Churchill presents new War Cabinet in House of Commons: ‘I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.’ New government’s policy is to wage war and its aim victory. Bevin becomes Minister of Labor.
Canada: Dr Manion resigns leadership of defeated Conservative Party.
