Winston Churchill’s stirring speeches instilled a nation, and were crucial to maintaining Britain’s morale through the early stages of the Second World War.
He spoke with such power and determination that ordinary Britons, soldiers and sailors could feel the hope of his words.
He replaced Neville Chamberlain as Prime Minister on May 10 1940.
A few days before, the German invasion of France and Belgium had brought an end to the “phoney war”, the period in relative calm that followed the declaration of war on September 3,1939.
The House of Commons would remember Churchill’s third speech, which he delivered three days later as the premier, as his most memorable.
Winston Churchill’s stirring speeches instilled a nation, and were crucial to maintaining Britain’s morale through the difficult early days of World War 2.
He added: “I would like to say to this House, as I did to those who have joined the government: “I’ve nothing to offer except blood, toil and tears.”
“We are facing a terrible ordeal. There have been many months of pain and struggle before us.
“You may ask: What is our policy?” You can tell me: To wage war by sea, land, and air; to wage war on a monstrous dictatorship, which has been surpassed only in human crimes. This is our policy.
“You may ask: What is the goal? You can easily answer this question: Victory, victory at any cost, victory in spite all terror, victory no matter how long or difficult the journey may seem. Without victory there will be no survival.
“Let it be realized, there is no survival for Britain’s Empire. No survival for British Empire.
“But, I accept my job with optimism and hope. My faith is that the cause of our people will prevail. I am now entitled to seek the help of everyone and say: “Come on, let us move forward with our combined strength. ‘
Extract from his first broadcast as PM to the country on May 19, 1940.
“I am speaking to you as the Prime Minister for the first and solemn time in an hour of great importance for our country, our Empire, our allies and most importantly, for the cause of liberty. . .
“It would have been foolish. . . It is impossible to hide the seriousness of this hour. You would also be foolish to think that three- or four million soldiers can defeat a well-equipped army in a few weeks.
‘Side by side, unaided except by their kith and kin in the great Dominions and by the wide empires which rest beneath their shield — side by side, the British and French peoples have advanced to rescue not only Europe but mankind from the foulest and most soul-destroying tyranny which has ever darkened and stained the pages of history.
‘Behind them — behind us, behind the armies and fleets of Britain and France — gather a group of shattered states and bludgeoned races: the Czechs, the Poles, the Norwegians, the Danes, the Dutch, the Belgians — upon all of whom the long night of barbarism will descend, unbroken even by a star of hope, unless we conquer, as conquer we must; as conquer we shall.
Today is Trinity Sunday. Centuries back, the words of the Apostle Paul were written as a call to faithful justice-serving servants. Let it be, for the Will of God is at Heaven. ‘
Extrait from the Commons Speech of his June 4, 1940 speech after Dunkirk was evacuated by 338,000 Allied troops.
“I am confident that, if everyone does their job, and nothing is overlooked, and if we make the best arrangements as they are making, we will once again be able defend our island home, ride out war’s storm, and survive the terror of tyranny, for years if necessary.
“At the very least, we’re going to attempt to accomplish that. That is the resolve of His Majesty’s Government — every man of them. This is the will and power of the nation. French Republic and British Empire, together in their cause, and in their necessity, will fight to defend their home soil. They will also help each other to their best ability.
“Even though vast tracts of Europe, and many of Europe’s most famous and historic states may have fallen under the control of the Gestapo or all the evil apparatus of Nazi regime, we will not flag or fail.
“We shall continue to fight to the end. We will fight in France.
Taken from his Commons Speech on June 18, 1940.
The General Weygand [the French Allied commander]The Battle of France has ended. The Battle of Britain will soon begin, I believe.
“The survival of Christian civilisation depends on this struggle.” It is the foundation of British life and the continuity and longevity of our institutions as well as our Empire. All the fury and power of the enemy must be quickly turned against us.
Hitler is aware that either he has to destroy the island of Germany or win war. We can defeat him and all Europe will be liberated. The world’s future may look brighter in broad, sunny uplands.
“But, if we fail,” then all of the world including America, with everything we know and love, will fall into the darkness of a new Dark Age that is more sinister and protracted by perverse science.
Let us, therefore, be ready to fulfill our obligations and bear in mind that even if the British Empire or its Commonwealth survives for one thousand years, people will always say “This was their best hour.” ‘