Today in World War II History—May 27, 1941
80 Years Ago—May 27, 1941: German battleship Bismarck is sunk off Ireland by British battleships King George V and Rodney, and British heavy cruisers Norfolk and Dorsetshire (115 survivors, 2106 killed).
Germans take Canea, capital of Crete, and Suda Bay, the main port.
In Fireside Chat, President Roosevelt declares an unlimited national emergency, allowing more military shipments to Britain and increased patrols in Atlantic; 65% of the nation listens to the broadcast, the largest radio audience in history to date.