19 MAY 1940: CHURCHILL'S FIRST ADDRESS TO THE BRITISH PEOPLE:
Things had gone from bad to worse in the nine days since the German offensive in the West had overturned Allied expectations that they could hold against the attacks.
The situation in France was unraveling fast. The Germans had secured their breakthrough at Sedan north of the Maginot Line. The majority of the French Army was still in these great fortresses; there was neither the means, nor, seemingly, the will to bring them into the battle.
The British Cabinet was now informed that the British Army might have to be evacuated from the north French coast in order to save them - it was just over a week since they had confidently advanced into Belgium.
Winston Churchill made his first broadcast to the nation; his address made the seriousness of the situation abundantly clear.
““I speak to you for the first time as Prime Minister in a solemn hour for the life of our country, of our empire, of our allies, and, above all, of the cause of Freedom. A tremendous battle is raging in France and Flanders. The Germans, by a remarkable combination of air bombing and heavily armoured tanks, have broken through the French defences north of the Maginot Line, and strong columns of their armoured vehicles are ravaging the open country, which for the first day or two was without defenders. They have penetrated deeply and spread alarm and confusion in their track. Behind them there are now appearing infantry in lorries, and behind them, again, the large masses are moving forward.
We may look with confidence to the stabilization of the Front in France, and to the general engagement of the masses, which will enable the qualities of the French and British soldiers to be matched squarely against those of their adversaries. For myself, I have invincible confidence in the French Army and its leaders.
“Only a very small part of that splendid Army has yet been heavily engaged; and only a very small part of France has yet been invaded. There is a good evidence to show that practically the whole of the specialized and mechanized forces of the enemy have been already thrown into the battle; and we know that very heavy losses have been inflicted upon them.
“No officer or man, no brigade or division, which grapples at close quarters with the enemy, wherever encountered, can fail to make a worthy contribution to the general result. The Armies must cast away the idea of resisting behind concrete lines or natural obstacles, and must realize that mastery can only be regained by furious and unrelenting assault. And this spirit must not only animate the High Command, but must inspire every fighting man.
“We have differed and quarreled in the past; but now one bond unites us all - to wage war until victory is won, and never to surrender ourselves to servitude and shame, whatever the cost and the agony may be. This is one of the most awe-striking periods in the long history of France and Britain.
“It is also beyond doubt the most sublime. Side by side, unaided except by their kith and kin in the great Dominions and by the wide empires which rest beneath their shield - side by side, the British and French peoples have advanced to rescue not only Europe but mankind from the foulest and most soul-destroying tyranny which has ever darkened and stained the pages of history.
“Behind them - behind us- behind the Armies and Fleets of Britain and France - gather a group of shattered States and bludgeoned races: the Czechs, the Poles, the Norwegians, the Danes, the Dutch, the Belgians - upon all of whom the long night of barbarism will descend, unbroken even by a star of hope, unless we conquer, as conquer we must; as conquer we shall.
“Today is Trinity Sunday. Centuries ago words were written to be a call and a spur to the faithful servants of Truth and Justice:
"Arm yourselves, and be ye men of valour, and be in readiness for the conflict; for it is better for us to perish in battle than to look upon the outrage of our nation and our altar. As the Will of God is in Heaven, even so let it be."
The address became known as the “Be ye men of honour” speech.
Comments are for paid subscribers.
Where are our men of honor…. Not in our government, or so few as to be invisible. Rise up, join Bruce in telling the truth about the leeches who are sucking the life out of America.
Phenomenal. A different time, a different scene, and yet the exhortations strike at the heart of the preservations we ourselves seek now.
Churchill opens with these words:
“I speak to you for the first time as Prime Minister in a solemn hour for the life of our country, of our empire, of our allies, and, above all, of the cause of Freedom…”
This resonates now, in all aspects.
Hear hear!