‘Early this morning it was revealed that the German troops had been ordered to withdraw from the city of Rome, and to defend it against the advancing Allies outside the city’s walls. Despite dogged resistance from the Germans, the first American soldiers of the Fifth Army reached the centre of the city late last night,’ said the announcer.

The occupants of Peggy’s kitchen held hands in awed silence as he continued, his excitement clear in his usually calm and measured tone.

‘Rome is the first of the three Axis powers’ capitals to be taken and its recapture will be seen as a significant victory for the Allies and for Lieutenant General Mark Clark, the American commanding officer who led the final offensive.

‘The people of Rome have poured into the streets to cheer and wave and throw bunches of flowers at the victorious liberators who are even now parading through the city. The Romans also massed in great numbers in St Peter’s Square, to call on Pope Pious to give the victors and the citizens of Rome his blessing.

‘The Pope has now appeared on the balcony to address the throng and give thanks that the holy city of Rome with its irreplaceable treasures and ancient buildings has been saved from destruction by the agreement on both sides that the battle should be fought outside its walls.

‘First reports from the city say it has been left largely undamaged by the occupying German forces. The water supply is still intact and there is even electricity – recent blackouts are reported to have been caused by engineers reluctant to restore power for the occupiers. Most Romans remained in the city during the occupation and many refugees also fled there, consequently food supplies are now extremely short, so the Americans’ first task is to set up food and medical stations throughout the city.

‘In a broadcast from the United States, President Roosevelt welcomed the fall of Rome with the words, “One up, two to go.” But he gave a warning that Germany had not yet suffered enough losses to cause total collapse to the regime – and this seems to be borne out by a defiant statement from Hitler’s headquarters in which he said that “the struggle in Italy will be continued with unshakeable determination to break the enemy and forge final victory for Germany and her allies”.

‘The American military authorities in London have paid tribute to the British General Sir Harold Alexander, who has been in overall command of Allied forces in Italy, describing the campaign as daring, unconventional and brilliant.’

Peggy gathered up a bewildered Daisy and smothered her face in kisses as Cordelia and Sarah hugged. ‘I can hardly believe it,’ she breathed. ‘Oh, Ron, this is only the start of it, I’m sure, and once the invasion goes ahead it will be Paris next – and then Berlin.’