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On 20 August 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill's made his famous speech in the House of Commons at the height of the aerial battle that came to be known as "The Battle of Britain."
In June of that year, the German Air Force (the Luftwaffe) started bombing strategic military targets in southern England, eventually moving to bomb the cities as well.
The whole air campaign, lasting from early July to the end of October was the first phase of Hitler's ambitious plan, Operation Sea Lion, to invade the British Isles.
The pilots of the Royal Air Force rose stoutly to the occasion, and over the strenuous weeks that followed, repelled the enemy in the air. It was a magnificent effort, though accomplished at great cost, and the heroics feats of the young men of the RAF became immortalised in the words of Churchill's speech.
Listen to Churchill's speech here. The portion of the speech below can be found at 2.42 min.
Watch a movie version of Churchill speaking to RAF pilots during the Battle of Britain.
This is a touching scene of the Prime Minister meeting a young pilot wounded in the battle.
WHEN DID CHURCHILL GET THE WORDS?
According to one version of the events, Churchill apparently first used his famous words upon his exit from the Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF Uxbridge on 16 August when visiting the No. 11 Group RAF Operations Room during a day of battle.
Afterwards, Churchill told Major General Hastings Ismay, 'Don't speak to me, I have never been so moved'. After several minutes of silence he said, 'Never in the history of mankind has so much been owed by so many to so few'. The sentence would form the basis of his speech to the House of Commons on 20 August.
Churchill was a grand-master in the use of the English language. His eloquence and skillful use of words were legendary.
Learn how he edited his speeches so as to lift the morale of the nation. Some really useful tips on speech-writing here!
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