Churchill’s Anecdotes
by Lostalley
Churchill’ s speech “Never Give In” posted by Marauders is a masterful display of motivation and deception in a dire situation. Anglophiles will tell you that this is a man of bravery rather than trickery, yet the reality may be the opposite. As Churchill was addressing a nation battered by destruction and despair, his government and the British High Command also prepared for a ‘contingency”, a code-word for surrender, in case of Germany’s invasion following Britain’s defeat. England, in Churchill’s own quip, “is a nation of small shop owners.” Dying for a cause is not English cup of tea. However, I still like Churchill for his uncanny ability to turn things around and wry sense of humor. These traits served him and his country better than deserved, under most circumstances. They also earned him a statue of brilliance, perseverance and defiance, deservedly or not. “V” gesture was his signature style to show off a will, or a will to show off. The list of Churchill’s anecdotes is long, compiled with facts and myths by his admirers and detractors. Here is my favorite:
While sitting on a platform waiting to speak, the seventy-eight-year-old Churchill was handed a note by an aide. Churchill glanced at the message, which advised, "Prime Minister—your fly is unbuttoned." Churchill then scrawled on the bottom of the note and passed it back.
It read, "Never fear. Dead birds do not drop out of nests."
I recommend two books on the subject, "Churchill--A Study in Greatness" by Geoffrey Best; "Churchill's Deception" by Louis C. Kilzer.
03/14/2015, Maryland
