Читать книгу We’re British, Innit: An Irreverent A to Z of All Things British - Iain Aitch - Страница 39

Widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest leaders and often pictured on a Union Flag background giving his distinctive two-fingered salute, Winston Churchill has become the standard by which other Prime Ministers are measured. Churchill is famed for his leading of the UK through most of World War II, serving as Prime Minister of an all-party group from 1940-1945, with a second term as Conservative Prime Minister from 1951-1955. Often seen with cigar in hand, it was Churchill’s skills in speechmaking and in soundbites that kept British spirits high during the war years (see blitz spirit). Turning adversity to strength, his speeches such as his pre-Battle of Britain one which included the line ‘We shall fight them on the beaches’ are still remembered to this day by many. Chamberlain saying ‘Oops, this has all gone a bit tits up’ may not have had the same rallying effect. Sadly, most school children now think Churchill is ‘that dog in the insurance adverts, innit’. There is some irony in this, as Churchill suffered from depression, a condition he referred to as his ‘black dog’. If he had known his memory was to be overshadowed by an animated nodding bulldog then his black dog may have come visiting more often.