The different faces of WINSTON CHURCHILL

Winston Churchill’s personality. Determined, unyielding to resist against Hitler’s invasion plans, against constant bombings during the Blitz (Sept 1940 to May 1941), the Battle of Britain (July/Oct 1940), not to surrender…other speech: « victory at all cost » Strong/in control /tough/fearless : in spite of the fall of France and the Netherlands on 10th May 1940, he fought to protect his country and free Europe.

Clear-sighted/realistic understood the « overwhelming might » of the enemy early (during apeasement period) and set out to fight with all « his might » Strong sense of patriotism and compassionate : brought a whole nation together by speaking directly to them (speeches, posters, visiting bombed areas…)

Churchill pays a visit after heavy German bombings with his wife Clementine

Political cartoons:

Churchill pays a visit after heavy German bombings with his wife Clementine

Winston Churchill’s role To set up strategies to resist invasion, lead the country to victory and free Europe, through tough measures using propaganda campaigns (holding the line, volunteering, dig for victory, make do and mend – battle of the Atlantic, evacuation....) To lead an efficient military policy to develop strong relations with the US ( The Atlantic Charter in 1941)and to a lesser extent with the USSR in order to build up military strength to defeat Germany. To keep the british people’s morale up to encourage them and come through as an honest leader (speech of 13th May I have nothing to offer… ) tribute to RAF pilots…

The Churchill memorial in Parliament Square, London

Memories!

Memorial stone at Westminster Abbey unveiled my the Queen on 25th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Examples of how the memory of Winston Churchill lives on today: 25 May 2011, the Daily Telegraph Visit of B. Obama to England: Mr Obama is the first US president to be granted the unique honour of speaking to both Houses in Westminster Hall. The President joins such esteemed company as Nelson Mandela, Charles de Gaulle and the Pope in being accorded the opportunity. After discussing the "enduring bond" between the US and Great Britain, focusing on the wartime relationship between Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt, Mr Obama received a standing ovation after closing his speech with a Churchillian quote from the end of the Second World War. The President said: “In the long years to come, not only will the people of this island but of the world, wherever the bird of freedom chirps in human hearts, look back to what we’ve done, and they will say ‘do not despair, do not yield … march straightforward.’"

50th Anniversary of Winston Churchill’s death : 24th January 2015 David Cameron has hailed "Britain's greatest ever prime minister" in a video marking the 50th anniversary of Winston Churchill's death. The Prime Minister quoted from the wartime leader's "we shall never surrender" in a video recorded at his birthplace in Blenheim Palace. He called on Twitter users to respond with their favourite Churchill "quotes" - and said: "We owe him everything."

Around 350m £5 notes, which depict Sir Winston Churchill, issued in September 2016.Sir Winston Churchill