The Churchill Series – Jan. 5, 2006

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

After serving as Churchill’s bodyguard for over 20 years, including throughout WW II, Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Walter Thompson retired. He was then in great demand as a lecturer about his experiences with Churchill. A point Thompson made often was: “Nothing escaped Churchill’s attention.”

We get an idea of that in the memo we’re about to read. It’s dated Oct.16, 1940, six weeks after the start of the London Blitz.

Prime Minister to Secretary of State for Air and Chief of Air Staff:

I see it reported that last night a large number of land mines were dropped here, many of which have not yet gone off, and that great harm was done.

Let me have your proposals forthwith for effective retaliation upon Germany.

I am informed that it is quite possible to carry similar mines or large bombs to Germany, and that the squadrons wish to use them, but that the Air Ministry are refusing permission.

I trust that due consideration will be given to my views and wishes. It is now abut three weeks since I began pressing for similar treatment of German military objectives to that which they are meting out to us.

Who is responsible for paralyzing action?

Thompson had it right, didn’t he?
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Thompson’s observation, shared by others who served with Churchill, has been quoted by many historians. A copy of the Oct. 16 memo is found on pg. 365 of Churchill’s Their Finest Hour, 1949 Riverside edition.