Cairo — December 13, 1941 — 07:15 hours
The white flag fluttered over the remains of Abdin Palace.
The last shots had fallen silent during the night, when the British defenders —starving, out of ammunition, and without hope— surrendered en masse. The Egyptian capital, symbol of Allied dominance in Africa, was officially in Axis hands.
German, Italian, and Spanish soldiers patrolled the streets. The Spanish Legion, hardened by desert warfare, had been among the first to raise their banner alongside the swastika and the Italian tricolor. Marshal Rommel, in a dust-covered uniform, entered the city in a Kübelwagen, saluting without fanfare. There was no parade—only exhaustion... and victory.
Rome — 09:00 hours
Mussolini entered the Sala del Mappamondo with a triumphant stride. His ministers stood in anticipation.
—"Cairo is ours!" —he proclaimed, spreading his arms—. "The Empire has returned to the Nile."
Applause erupted. But Ciano, ever the pragmatist, murmured:
—"If the Americans land in Morocco, all of this could change in weeks."
Madrid — 09:45 hours
Franco, surrounded by generals, studied the map of Africa.
—"The victory in Egypt is a milestone," he said. "But we must not grow complacent."
He pointed to the Atlantic coast with a military ruler.
—"The Americans will want to open a front. Morocco is their most likely option. We must reinforce the Rif, Casablanca, and Ceuta. And improve cooperation with our German and Italian garrisons."
One general nodded.
—"Shall we mobilize more troops?"
—"Yes," the Caudillo answered. "And let the propaganda remind our people that Spain does not yield—not to empires, nor to oceans."
Berlin — 10:15 hours
The report arrived on Hitler's desk as he ate breakfast in silence. He read it, smiled, and spoke only two words:
—"The Lion has fallen."
Göring cheered. Goebbels was already envisioning the headlines. Himmler, puffing a cigarette, added:
—"The British will lose the canal. And the Yanks will be late, as always."
Hitler turned to Guderian, who had just entered.
—"Prepare yourself. Africa is ours. But the next great battle will be in Europe."