Today in World War II History—May 21, 1940 & 1945

Map noting German advances in France and the Low Countries between 16 and 21 May 1940 (US Military Academy map)
80 Years Ago—May 21, 1940: British driving south from Belgium and French troops driving north attempt to link at Arras, France, but fail.
French 9th Army surrenders, along with Gen. Henri Giraud, who will escape in 1942 and lead Free French forces in North Africa.
75 Years Ago—May 21, 1945: Heinrich Himmler is arrested by the British in Bremervörde, Germany, disguised as a businessman.
Demanding full independence, Syria and Lebanon break off negotiations with France.
Humphrey Bogart marries Lauren Bacall.