| (1874–1965)
British statesman and writer, Prime Minister (1940–45, 1951–55).
After service as a war correspondent in
the Boer War, he became first Lord of the Admiralty in World War I and
led a coalition government in World War II.
He was celebrated for his skill as an
orator and was the author of several historical books.
"We shall not flag or fail. We shall
fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight
with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend
our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we
shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in
the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never
surrender".
Winston Churchill - Speech, House of Commons, 4 June 1940
Peace with Germany and Japan on our
terms will not bring much rest....As I observed last time, when the war
of the giants is over the wars of the pygmies will begin.
Triumph and Tragedy, Ch. 25
In Franklin Roosevelt there died the
greatest American friend we have ever known and the greatest champion of
freedom who has ever brought help and comfort from the New World to the
Old.
The Second World War
I have only one purpose, the destruction
of Hitler, and my life is much simplified thereby. If Hitler invaded
Hell I would make at least a favourable reference to the Devil in the
House of Commons.
The Grand Alliance
"When you have to kill a man it
costs nothing to be polite."
"Justifying the fact that the
declaration of war against Japan was made in the usual diplomatic
language".
The Grand Alliance
"Before Alamein we never had a
victory. After Alamein we never had a defeat".
"I have never seen a human being who
more perfectly represented the modern conception of a robot".
Referring to the Soviet statesman Molotov. The Second World War
"Those who can win a war well can
rarely make a good peace and those who could make a good peace would
never have won the war".
"I must point out that my rule of
life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the
drinking of alcohol before, after, and if need be during all meals and
in the intervals between them".
Said during a lunch with the Arab leader Ibn Saud, when he heard that
the king’s religion forbade smoking and alcohol.
"No one can guarantee success in
war, but only deserve it"
"In Franklin Roosevelt there died
the greatest American friend we have ever known and the greatest
champion of freedom who has ever brought help and comfort from the New
World to the Old"
"Peace with Germany and Japan on our
terms will not bring much rest....As I observed last time, when the war
of the giants is over the wars of the pygmies will begin".
"In defeat unbeatable; in victory
unbearable"
Referring to Viscount Montgomery, who had commanded the victorious
8th Army in North Africa and led the invasion of Normandy (1944)
"I remember, when I was a child,
being taken to the celebrated Barnum’s circus, which contained an
exhibition of freaks and monstrosities, but the exhibit...which I most
desired to see was the one described as ‘The Boneless Wonder’. My
parents judged that that spectacle would be too revolting and
demoralising for my youthful eyes, and I have waited 50 years to see the
boneless wonder sitting on the Treasury Bench".
Referring to the Labour prime minister, Ramsey MacDonald. Speech,
House of Commons, 28 Jan 1931
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