The Churchill Series – Oct. 19, 2006

(One of a series of weekday posts on the life of Winston S. Churchill.)

On July 14, 1940 Churchill spoke to the nation. Only six weeks before the British Expeditionary Force had barely escaped capture at Dunkirk. On July 10 the Battle of Britain – “upon which depends our survival” – had begun.

The public knew the air battle - already being fought in skies above the homes and towns of many of Churchill's listeners in the South of England – was the first step in Nazi Germany’s plan to invade and conquer Britain. Once the Germans had control of the skies, their invasion would follow.

As you would expect, Churchill’s words on July 14 were eloquent and inspiring. They also show him as a master psychologist who could inspire resolution and optimism even as he reminded people of the terrible ordeals and years which lay before them.

Excerpts :

This has been a great week for the Royal Air Force, and for the Fighter Command. They have shot down more than five to one of the German aircraft which have tried to molest our convoys in the Channel, or have ventured to cross the British coast line.

These are, of course, only the preliminary encounters to the great air battles which lie ahead. But I know of no reason why we should be discontented with the results so far achieved; although, of course, we hope to improve upon them as the fighting becomes more widespread and comes more inland.

Around all lies the power of the Royal Navy. With over a thousand armed ships under the White Ensign, patrolling the seas, the Navy, which is capable of transferring its force very readily to the protection of any part of the British Empire which may be threatened, is capable also of keeping open communication with the New World, from whom, as the struggle deepens, increasing aid will come.

Is it not remarkable that after ten months of unlimited U-boat and air attack upon our commerce, our food reserves are higher than they have ever been, and we have a substantially larger tonnage under our own flag, apart from great numbers of foreign ships in our control, than we had at the beginning of the war?

Why do I dwell on all this? Not, surely, to induce any slackening of effort or vigilance. On the contrary. These must be redoubled, and we must prepare not only for the summer, but for the winter; not only for 1941, but for 1942; when the war will, I trust, take a different form from the defensive, in which it has hitherto been bound.

I dwell on these elements in our strength, on these resources which we have mobilized and control-I dwell on them because it is right to show that the good cause can command the means of survival; and that while we toil through the dark valley we can see the sunlight on the uplands beyond.

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Excerpts from "War of the Unknown Warriors" speech found here at the Churchill Centre.