Western Europe — June 6–10, 1940
[London – War Cabinet]
"Dunkirk wasn't a retreat. It was an execution," Churchill said.The room fell silent.
The images were clear. The reports, worse. The British Expeditionary Force had been annihilated. Almost no survivors.The BBC spoke of "heroic sacrifice," but the high command already knew the truth: Britain stood alone.
"Will they invade?" asked one minister.
"Not yet. But the world has seen we're not invincible," Churchill replied. "And that… changes the game."
[Bordeaux – Provisional French Government]
President Reynaud had resigned. Marshal Pétain took power.He spoke of "honor," of "avoiding more suffering," but his eyes were empty. There was nothing left to defend.
An armistice with Germany was only days away.
"This isn't peace," said General Weygand. "It's servitude."
But there were no more soldiers. No more cities. No more allies.
Thus was born Vichy France—not by will, but by lack of breath.
[Berlin – OKW Strategic Headquarters]
The victory was total. But the high command did not celebrate. The Dunkirk massacre had created an uncomfortable echo. Not even Goebbels could fully control the international narrative.
"Too much noise," Keitel admitted. "And no hostages."
Privately, Hitler was pleased. But Speer and others saw him more restless than triumphant.
And now? Where to look next?
[Madrid – El Pardo Palace]
Franco listened to the radio with a heavy expression. Dunkirk had changed the balance. Britain stood alone. France had fallen. Germany was unstoppable.
His minister, Serrano Suñer, spoke bluntly:
"This is the moment. We can reclaim Gibraltar. Restore the Empire.""And if they fall later… and drag us down with them?"
Franco didn't reply.But for the first time, he requested a full military report.