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Where does one even begin to start penning some thoughts about Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill? We know him to be the intrepid, pugnacious and somewhat obstinate Prime Minister of Britain during the Second World War. He was a master speech-writer, a soldier, statesman, humourist, historian and even painter.
In many ways, his life was one typical of the aristocratic class on the Victorian-Edwardian eras. Born at the height of the British Empire in the 1874, he died in the era of nuclear armaments, having witnessed and experienced first hand the horrors of two global wars.
Wikipedia provides a rather extensive and detailed account of his life.
THE LIFE OF CHURCHILL
1) Family and Early Days
Speech impediment
Marriage and children
2) Military Service
Cuba
India and self-education
North-West Frontier
Sudan
Oldham
South Africa
Territorial Service and advancement
Western Front
3) Political Career (1900 - 39)
Early years in Parliament
First Lord of the Admiralty (1911-15)
First World War and the Post-War Coalition
Constitutionalist
Rejoining the Conservative Party
Chancellor of the Exchequer (1924-29)
Political Isolation
Indian independence
German and Italian rearmament and conflicts in Afro-Eurasia
Abdication crisis
Return from exile
4) First Term as Prime Minister (1940 - 45)
Return to the Admiralty
"We shall never surrender"
Mental and physical health
Relations with the United States
Relations with the Soviet Union
Dresden bombings controversy
End of the Second World War
5) In Opposition (1945 - 51)
Caretaker government and 1945 election
Opposition leader
European unity
6) Second Term as Prime Minister (1951 - 55)
Return to government
Domestic policy
Colonial affairs
Kenya and Malaya
Relations with the US and the quest for a summit
Stroke and resignation
7) Retirement and death (1955 - 65)
Funeral
8) Artist, historian and writer
9) Honours
Honorary degrees
10) Portrayal in film and television
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A DOCUMENTARY VIDEO
There are many many documentaries posted online about the great man. This must be one of the better ones - well presented and using many rare archival photos .
The 2001 HBO movie The Gathering Storm examines the times of Churchill leading up to his years as Prime Minister in 1940.
The producers' commentary on The Gathering Storm:
One of my favourites, the sequel to The Gathering Storm, is Into the Storm:
Another recent (2016) movie, Churchill's Secret is below:
And in 2017, yet another Churchill movie! - Churchill: The Untold Story. It tells of the tense and dramatic days before Operation Overlord, but paints a controversial, alternate portrait of Churchill as a tired, idealistic leader whose military plans are increasingly out of favour with the Allied War Command.
It should be said that this movie has not been met with universal acclaim, Many historians are critical of its portrayal of Churchill. There are those to point to its many fictitious personalities and liberties taken, although the Daily Telegraph offers a more appreciative review.
Coming soon, Churchill: Darkest Hour.
And for the nostalgic afficionadoes, Young Winston Churchill:
SOME THOUGHTS ON CHURCHILL
Although most of us remember Churchill for his leadership as Prime Minister of Britain, in truth, he only occupied this office for two terms, a total of ten years.
His personal, and supreme, strength was his ability to lead in times of severe crisis. Even as a soldier, he was extremely courageous in the face of battle. As Prime Minister during World War Two, his dogged and stubborn nature, incisive mind, quick wit and readiness to make the tough decisions, were what the nation needed as the Axis powers ravaged so much of the world.
His life certainly followed the times. In many ways, he was brought up and lived his young adulthood as a proud product of Empire. Churchill's exploits in India and South Africa as a soldier and war correspondent are exciting to read. Almost unbelievably, he even managed to escape from a prisoner-of-war camp during the Boer War, surviving the long trek to freedom and returning to England a hero!
Notes on the photos: From top to bottom
1) In the 4th Queen's Hussars, as cavalry officer, 1895. North-West Frontier, India.
2) Portrait of Churchill, most likely in the 1950s.
3) As Prime Minister during the Second World War, inspecting the troops.
4) Standing in front on extreme right, just captured by enemy forces during the South African Boer War in 1900.
5) Churchill painting.
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SOME INTERESTING FEATURES OF CHURCHILL'S LIFE
Homes
Churchill's birthplace was the sprawling Blenhein Palace. It remains a treasured national monument in England today. As an adult, Churchill's private home - and retreat - was Chartwell.
Family
Churchill was born into the family of the Dukes of Marlborough. His father, Lord Randolph Churchill was a politician whose life was an inspiration to young Winston. Interestingly, his mother, Lady Churchill (nee Jennie Jerome) was really an American. Perhaps that explains Winston's great admiration for the United States of America.
Childhood and Education
Although he was sent to very prestigious "public" schools, including Harrow School, Winston was far from being an outstanding student. In fact, he was often in trouble with the Headmaster. However, he had a brilliant mind and was a voracious reader. He could also be quite obstinate, as his Latin teacher quickly discovered.
Military life
Churchill loved the army, and very quickly became a cavalry officer. He experienced first-hand fighting in India and South Africa. As a war correspondent, he enthralled the world with his adventures, including a sensational escape from a POW camp during the Boer War. As would be expected, Churchill was in the thick of World War One. Read about it here.
Speeches
Quite unlike the politicians of today, Winston Churchill often crafted his own speeches. He was an excellent writer whose deft and clever use of the English language enabled him to write many memorable speeches which have endured the times, and which continue to thrill today. It was he who announced, in grim tones, over the BBC, the fall and capitulation of Singapore in February 1942. However, not all historians agree on the impact or even influence of Churchill's speeches.
Painting
Churchill's life as a painter is most intriguing. It was not merely a hobby. It was in fact, a vital emotional and psychological retreat which allowed him some respite from the severe strains of leadership. Very uncannily, Adolf Hitler was also a painter.
Medals, awards and honours
Winston Churchill received numerous accolades - medals for bravery and courage in battle, citations for service and even honorary degrees. For one who did not go to university, Churchill was indeed very well accredited in higher education!
Biographies
Almost unparalleled in Churchill biographies will be the eight-volume set William S. Churchill written first by his son Randolph Churchill (Vols 1 & 2) and completed by Martin Gilbert (Vols 3 - 8). For those who find eight volumes to much to bear, Gilbert produced in 1991 a single volume titled Churchill: A Life.
William Manchester's The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Volume 1 - Visions of Glory 1874 - 1932 (1983), Volume 2 - Alone 1932 - 1940 (1988) and Volume 3 - Defender of the Realm 1940 - 1965 (2012, with Paul Reid) are a sufficient and engaging introduction to the man.
Richard Toye, at present Professor of History at the University of Exeter, is among the few but emerging historians today who dare to adopt a more critical stance when evaluating the life of Churchill. Read some of his opinions in his blog; there are also useful hints on being a historian!
Movies
One that I highly recommend is the HBO production Into The Storm. It is extremely well done, and the icing is provided by Brendan Gleeson, whose portrayal of Churchill is thus far the best I have ever encountered.
Controversies
As with every other human being, Churchill had his flaws and weaknesses too. Some of these were very glaring, as this article explains.
The International Churchill Society
A one-stop repository devoted to the study of Churchill. This is a good place to start. Check out the free online magazine The Churchill Bulletin.
Fun-facts
Is Churchill too serious for you? Maybe some of these will interest you.
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