I felt as though I were walking with destiny and that all my past life had been a preparation for this hour and for this trial. (On becoming Prime Minister, May 1940) Winston Churchill
You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: it is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be. (First speech as Prime Minister in House of Commons, 13 May 1940) Winston Churchill
If this long island story of ours is to end at last, let it end only when each one of us lies choking in his own blood upon the ground. (May 1940: addressing government ministers in response to suggestions of negotiating with Hitler) Winston Churchill
Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duty and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth lasts for a thousand years, men will still say: ‘This was their finest hour’. (1940: after the fall of France) Winston Churchill
These are not dark days: these are great days – the greatest days our country has ever lived. Winston Churchill
I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Winston Churchill (1939)
I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this Government, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. Winston Churchill (May, 1940)
We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender. Winston Churchill (June 1940, after Dunkirk evacuation.)
Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. Winston Churchill (August 1940, on RAF pilots in Battle of Britain).
We shall show mercy, but we shall not ask for it. Winston Churchill
Give us the tools, and we will finish the job. Winston Churchill