1903, 12 May
After successful military operations in Sokoto and Kano Britain adds 260,000 km2 to its Nigerian territory.
1941, 12 May - World War II: North Africa
Urgent supplies, including tanks and aircraft arrive at the Egyptian port of Alexandria with the convoy, code-named 'Tiger'. General Wavell can now prepare for operation 'Brevity', and the push against Rommel's forces on the Egypt-Libya border.
1943, 12 May - World War II: Arnim surrenders
At 11:15 am Giovanni Messe, promoted to Field Marshal of the Italian First Army, is authorised to capitulate by Mussolini: "As the aims of your resistance can be considered achieved, your Excellency is free to accept an honourable surrender." Meanwhile at Ste. Marie-du-Zit, Generaloberst Hanz-Jürgen von Arnim and his command, camped with the remains of the Afrika Korps, surrender to the British. Arnim, however, will not disobey Hitler's orders and instruct the rest of the German army in North Africa to surrender.
1964, 12 May
Aid to Tunis is suspended by France in response to recent land seizure.
