Today in World War II History—May 13, 1940 & 1945

German troops crossing the Meuse River in a rubber raft, near Aiglemont, France, 14 May 1940 (German Federal Archive, Bild 146-1971-088-63)
80 Years Ago—May 13, 1940: In main attack in France, German troops cross the Meuse at Sedan to trap Allies in the Low Countries.
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill states, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat” in his first parliamentary speech as prime minister.
Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, her family, and her government flee to Britain.
75 Years Ago—May 13, 1945: US Fast Carrier Task Force (TF 58) begins raids on Kyushu, Japan, destroying the last of its airfields.
Soviets crush last pockets of German resistance in Czechoslovakia.