The Churchill Series - Dec. 28, 2006

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

Readers Note: We continue this week with "Amusing Oldies:" posts that have run before but which I hope will give you a smile and perhaps a story to share with family and friends during the holidays. John
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Churchill quite often delayed leaving for the train station. Early in speaking out against communism and fascism, where trains were concerned he was a classic "last minute" traveler.

When he was a cabinet minister or PM, and later when out of office but "a great man," Churchill's delays didn't cause him any problems. Staff simply phoned ahead and the train was held; no need to race.

But when out of office, Churchill frequently had to race to catch a train. Often he lost.

Clementine once explained Churchill's "last minute" habit this way: "Winston's a sporting man. He likes to give the train a chance."
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Tom Hickman, Churchill's Bodyguard. (p. 130)