The end in North Africa

12th May 1943: The German and Italian generals finally acknowledge the reality of their situation - and they formally surrender

Aerial view of German Prisoner of War Camp 4 miles west of Mateur, North Africa. 9 May, 1943. Approximately 9,000 prisoners were taken in this single day.

German prisoners arriving at one of the prison camps. Tunisia, North Africa. 8 May, 1943

Mussolini's Dream of Empire. Here are a few of his brave and hearty soldiers, without shoes and in rags, who walked miles to give themselves up to the Americans.

As Churchill arrived in the USA to discuss the future of the war, he received a telegram from North Africa:

12th May 1943
General Alexander to Prime Minister

The end is very near. Von Arnim has been captured, and prisoners will most likely be over 150,000. All organised resistance has collapsed, and only pockets of enemy are still holding out. It appears that we have taken over 1,000 guns, of which 180 are 88-mm, 250 tanks, and many thousands of motor vehicles, many of which are serviceable. German prisoners driving their own vehicles formed a dense column on the road from Grombalia to Medjez el Bab all day to-day.