1900, 27 May - Boer War
General Lord Roberts crosses the Vaal River and occupies the town of Vereeniging.
1941, 27 May - World War II: North Africa
General Erwin Rommel, now reinforced with the 15th Panzer Division, recaptures Halfaya Pass.
1956, 27 May
The Casbah area of Algiers is sealed off as French troops search for weapons caches.
1963, 27 May
Jomo Kenyatta is elected as Kenya's first prime minister, he will be inaugurated on 1 June.
1971, 27 May
President Anwar el-Sadat of Egypt signs a 15-year friendship treaty with the Soviet Union.
