http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1941/jun41/f19jun41.htm
Vichy troops resisting Allies
Thursday, June 19, 1941 www.onwar.com
In Syria... There is heavy fighting just outside Damascus (June 19-20th) at Mezze where the Vichy French forces manage to cut off and eventually eliminate an Indian battalion.
From Rome... In retaliation for the closing of all Italian consulates in the United States, similar action is taken by Italy with respect to American consulates.
From Berlin... In retaliation for the closing of all German consulates and offices of other German agencies in the USA, similar action is taken by Germany with respect American consulates and offices.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andrew.etherington/month/thismonth/19.htm
June 19th, 1941
EUROPE: In tit-for-tat reprisals, Germany and Italy expel the US consuls. Germany and Italy requested United States consular staffs to evacuate territories under their control by July 15, following United States request of June 16 for German consular evacuation by July 10.
GERMANY: Berlin: News comes of a German-Turkish pact to respect each other’s neutrality and to further the economic interests of both states.
Berlin: The German News Bureau reported:
The most recent reports indicate that the British have lost more tanks than was earlier estimated: When we cleared up the battlefield, we found 200 British tanks destroyed or immobilised by German and Italian guns, which the British were forced to abandon when they retreated.
U-619, U-620 laid down. (Dave Shirlaw)
SYRIA: Heavy fighting between Vichy forces and an Indian Battalion near Damascus, Syria.
Generals Lavarack and Wilson decide to concentrate Aust 7 Div (Maj-Gen Allen) on coastal sector as offering best prospects of advance. In Mezze, 5 Ind Bde remains cut off and hard-pressed by French armour.
Australian attack on Merdjayoun is again repulsed after fighting in outskirts. Brig Berryman continues to pound Merdjayoun with artillery. (Michael Alexander)
CANADA: Corvette HMCS Moose Jaw commissioned.
Corvettes HMCS Kamloops and Chilliwack arrived Halifax from builders in Victoria and Vancouver respectively. (Dave Shirlaw)
U.S.A.: In a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York City, Yankee star Joe DiMaggio goes 3-for-3 against Chicago White Sox pitchers Eddie Smith and Buck Ross. DiMaggio’s home run and two singles extends his hitting streak to 32-games. (Jack McKillop)
The breakfast cereal “Cheerios” is invented. These O-shaped 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) diameter, .0025 ounce (71 mg) cereals with 400 equalling one serving are originally called “Cheerie Oats.” (Jack McKillop)
Destroyers USS Redoubt and Roebuck laid down. (Dave Shirlaw)