Churchill, Winston Leonard Spencer, Sir, 1874 - 1965 (Knight, statesman and historian)
Person
Dates
- Existence: 1874 - 1965
Found in 50 Collections and/or Records:
File
Public and Political: General: Personal Office correspondence, C-D, many congratulating WSC on becoming Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party and praising his leadership., Jan 1940 - Dec 1940
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 2/393
Scope and Contents
Correspondents include: Monsieur Campinchi, French Minister of Marine; [1st] Lord Camrose [earlier Sir William Berry, Editor-in-Chief] of the Daily Telegraph sending on a United States article published in the Telegraph; Robert Cary; [1st] Lord Cecil of Chelwood [earlier Lord Robert Cecil] (?2) including (1) on the League [of Nations]; Lord Hugh Cecil [later 1st Lord Quickswood]; Neville Chamberlain (5) on subjects including his health, government policy, and his resignation; Sir Evan...
Dates:
Jan 1940 - Dec 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: speech notes and other material., 23 May 1940 - 04 Jul 1940
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/140A-B
Scope and Contents
Statement by WSC (23 May) on fighting in France. Also includes relevant extract from Hansard. Published: Complete Speeches VI p 6223.Hansard copy of statement by WSC (28 May) on the fall of Belgium. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 6223-4.Notes for WSC's speech (4 June) entitled "Wars are not won by evacuations" on the fall of Belgium, the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk [France] and the successes of the RAF. Speech includes the phrase "We shall fight on the...
Dates:
23 May 1940 - 04 Jul 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: speech notes and other material., 30 Jul 1940 - 17 Sep 1940
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/141A-B
Scope and Contents
Statement by WSC (30 July) on making the remainder of the day's sitting a secret session. Also includes relevant extract from Hansard.Statement by WSC (17 September, secret session) on the danger to the Houses of Parliament posed by air raids and possible changes to House of Commons procedures as a consequence of this threat. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 6280-3.Hansard copy of WSC's statement (13 August) on an aeroplane disaster involving Australian ministers and military...
Dates:
30 Jul 1940 - 17 Sep 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: speech notes and other material., 08 Oct 1940 - 19 Dec 1940
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/142A-B
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's speech (8 October) on the Battle of Britain, the Home Guard and the Home Front, Hitler's threat to invade Britain, events at Dakar [Senegal], the desertion of Vichy France, the Burma road [between Burma, later Myanmar, and China] and events in Spain. Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6284-94.Notes for WSC's statement (17 October) on Robert Boothby [Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Food] and Czechoslovak claims.Notes for WSC's speech (5 November) on the war situation,...
Dates:
08 Oct 1940 - 19 Dec 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: speech notes and source material., 27 Feb 1940 - 13 May 1940
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/139A-B
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's speech (27 February) on supplementary navy estimates, protecting merchant and fishing vessels from U-boats, the strength of the Fleet, and naval losses. Also includes cutting from the Daily Telegraph reporting WSC's speech and relevant extract from Hansard. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 6194-8.Incomplete notes for WSC's speech (11 April) on the German invasion of Norway and Denmark and the naval battle off Norway. Also includes relevant extract from Hansard. Published:...
Dates:
27 Feb 1940 - 13 May 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 23 May 1940 - 19 Jun 1940
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/172
Scope and Contents
Statement by WSC (23 May) on fighting in France. Published: Complete Speeches VI p 6223.Statement by WSC (28 May) on the fall of Belgium. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 6223-4.Speech notes for WSC's speech (4 June) entitled "Wars are not won by evacuations" on the fall of Belgium, the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk [France] and the successes of the RAF. Speech includes the phrase "We shall fight on the beaches . . . We shall never surrender". Source material...
Dates:
23 May 1940 - 19 Jun 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 25 Jun 1940 - 21 Nov 1941
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/173A-B
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (25 June) entitled "The fall of France" on the capitulation of France, the surrender of the French fleet to Germany and his visit to see [Paul] Reynaud [Prime Minister of France]. Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6239-41.Statement by WSC (4 July) on the British destruction of the French fleet at Oran [Algeria]. Source material includes notes on the co-ordination of intelligence, the role of the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces [General Sir Alan Brooke,...
Dates:
25 Jun 1940 - 21 Nov 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 05 Sep 1940 - 08 Oct 1940
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/174A-C
Scope and Contents
Statement by WSC (5 September) on the war situation and an agreement with the United States over destroyers and defence bases, events in Romania, the achievements of the RAF, damage through bombing and the insurance scheme, evacuation, air raid warnings and other Home Front issues. Source material includes: notes and correspondence from Air Marshal Sir Richard Peirse [Vice-Chief of Air Staff], Norman Brook [later 1st Lord Normanbrook] (2), Arthur Cary [Assistant Principal, Air Ministry] (4),...
Dates:
05 Sep 1940 - 08 Oct 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 23 Apr 1942 - 02 Jun 1942
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/184A-C
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (23 April) in secret session on the war situation including: Japan's entry into the war; setbacks including battleship losses; defence of the Admiralty over the escape of the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau; events and operations in the Far East, the Middle East and the Soviet Union; air battles including the bombing of Germany; and aircraft and ship production. Also includes correspondence from: Maurice Dean [Assistant Under Secretary of State,...
Dates:
23 Apr 1942 - 02 Jun 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 27 Jul 1943 - 13 Oct 1943
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/192A-C
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (27 July) on the fall of Mussolini including an assessment of his regime and the principles to be used in negotiations with Italy; and also on events and operations in the Soviet Union and the bombing of Germany. Also includes correspondence from 1st Lord Halifax [earlier Edward Wood and Lord Irwin, British Ambassador to the United States]; Francis Keenlyside [Assistant Secretary in charge of Shipping Policy]; Sir Edward Bridges [Secretary to the Cabinet]; and...
Dates:
27 Jul 1943 - 13 Oct 1943
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 18 Feb 1944 - 22 Mar 1944
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/197A-C
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (22 February) on the progress of the war and the international situation including: the strength of the forces of Germany; successes in the Soviet Union and through bombing attacks on Germany; the importance of the role played by the Royal Navy and the RAF; a prediction of increased attack in 1944; events and operations in Italy, Yugoslavia [later Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia] and Greece; the...
Dates:
18 Feb 1944 - 22 Mar 1944
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: speech notes (some by WSC as First Lord of the Admiralty) and other material., 19 May 1939 - 06 Dec 1939
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/135A-B
Scope and Contents
Notes for an unused speech by WSC (prepared for 8 May) on conscription and the Military Training Bill.Notes for WSC's speech (19 May) on relations with the Soviet Union and Poland, and the effect of an agreement with the Soviet Union on relations with other European nations. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 6117-23.Notes for WSC's speech (23 May) on his objections to the White Paper on Palestine, and the legacy of the Balfour declaration [supporting a Jewish national home in Palestine]....
Dates:
19 May 1939 - 06 Dec 1939
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: Non House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 05 May 1941 - 26 Dec 1941
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/182A-B
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's broadcast (3 May) to the Polish people on the attack on Poland by Germany and the siege of Warsaw. Also includes correspondence from Count Edward Raczynski [Polish Ambassador to Great Britain], Anthony Eden [later 1st Lord Avon , Foreign Secretary] and notes and copies of correspondence from Kathleen Hill [Secretary to WSC] and John Colville [Assistant Private Secretary to WSC]. Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6385-7.Speech notes for WSC's broadcast (recorded 29...
Dates:
05 May 1941 - 26 Dec 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: Non House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 15 Feb 1942 - 15 Mar 1942
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/188A-B
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's broadcast (15 February) on the fall of Singapore and reviewing the war. Subjects covered include: the Atlantic Charter and assistance provided by the United States; operations in the Soviet Union; the entry of Japan into the war; the Home Front and difficulties of food supply; and the strength of China. Also includes correspondence from James Stuart [Government Chief Whip]; Sir Archibald Sinclair [later 1st Lord Thurso, Secretary of State for Air]; [General Wladyslaw]...
Dates:
15 Feb 1942 - 15 Mar 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: speech notes and other material., 09 Jan 1941 - 27 Apr 1941
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/150A-B
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's speech (9 January, Pilgrim's Society Luncheon, Savoy Hotel, London) entitled "United States co-operation" proposing a toast to Lord Halifax [earlier Edward Wood and Lord Irwin] on his appointment as British Ambassador to the United States and on the death of [11th] Lord Lothian [earlier Philip Kerr]. Also includes cutting from the Times reporting WSC's speech. Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6327-9. Various cuttings reporting WSC's speech (17 January, Glasgow [Scotland])...
Dates:
09 Jan 1941 - 27 Apr 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: speech notes and other material., 14 Jul 1941 - 11 Nov 1941
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/152A-B
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's speech (14 July, County Hall, London) entitled the "Grit and Stamina of London" on the German bombing of London, the prospects for the future, and British bombing of Germany. Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6448-52.Brief notes for WSC's speech (14 July, Civil Defence Review, Hyde Park, London). Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6447-8.Also includes cuttings from the Yorkshire Post and the Glasgow Herald reporting the above two speeches.Cutting from the Times on the...
Dates:
14 Jul 1941 - 11 Nov 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: speech notes and source material., 03 May 1941 - 26 Jun 1941
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/151
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's broadcast (3 May, BBC) to the Polish people on 150th anniversary of the Polish Constitution, commenting on the attack on Poland by Germany, Polish resistance, and praise for Poles in exile in Britain. Also includes cuttings from the Listener containing the text of WSC's speech entitled "Poland will remain unconquerable". Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6385-7.Notes for WSC's broadcast (recorded 29 May, broadcast 2 June) to the people of Canada, on Canada's support in the...
Dates:
03 May 1941 - 26 Jun 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: speech notes (by WSC as First Lord of the Admiralty) and other material., 20 Jan 1940 - 29 Feb 1940
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/143
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's broadcast (20 January, BBC) on the war situation, entitled "A house of many mansions" on the German threat to neutral and allied shipping, to neutral nations, and Finland's stand against the Soviet Union. Also includes cuttings from the Times and the Listener containing the text of WSC's broadcast. Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6183-6.Notes for WSC's statement (24 January, House of Commons 1922 Committee) on British naval strength, the U-boat war, pocket battleships,...
Dates:
20 Jan 1940 - 29 Feb 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: speech notes (some by WSC as First Lord of the Admiralty) and other material., 08 Aug 1939 - 24 Jan 1940
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/138
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's broadcast (8 August, United States [National Broadcasting Company]) entitled "A hush over Europe" on German and Italian war preparations, and [Adolf] Hitler's pivotal role. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 6149-51.Notes for WSC's broadcast (1 October, BBC) entitled "The first month of war" on Poland, the Soviet Union, U-boat attacks, the situation in Britain, and Franco-British relations, which includes the phrase that Russia "is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an...
Dates:
08 Aug 1939 - 24 Jan 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: speech notes (some by WSC as First Lord of the Admiralty) and other material., 30 Mar 1940 - 01 Oct 1940
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/144
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's broadcast (30 March, BBC) entitled "A hideous state of alarm and menace" on the fate of the neutral nations, German atrocities, particularly in Poland, and wishing to avoid conflict with the Soviet Union. Also includes various cuttings reporting the speech. Part published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6199-201.Notes for WSC's broadcast (19 May, BBC) entitled "Arm yourselves and be ye men of valour" on the war situation in France and the formation of the coalition government,...
Dates:
30 Mar 1940 - 01 Oct 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Fonds
The Papers of Sir Winston Churchill
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR and CHUR
Scope and Contents
The papers consist of original documents accumulated by Sir Winston Churchill throughout his life (1874-1965). They have been divided into two sections: the Chartwell Papers (CHAR) and the Churchill Papers (CHUR). Together, the two sets of papers cover the following major areas:
Personal (CHAR 1 and CHUR 1), 1884-1965
The papers of Churchill as a private person. They include correspondence with or about his family and friends on non-public topics and papers relating to...
Dates:
The majority of files date from the 1870s to 1965.
Conditions Governing Access:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.
Item
(Untitled), 19 Aug 1942
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/87/61
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC [Cairo, Egypt] to the Chief of the Air Staff [Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal] marked "most secret and personal" regarding heavy night bombing raids on Berlin [Germany] Annotated, probably during writing of WSC's "The Second World War" c1948-1954.
Dates:
19 Aug 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.
Item
(Untitled), 01 May 1945 - 31 May 1945
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/209/5
Scope and Contents
Prime Minister's printed personal minutes, May 1945. Includes texts of minutes from WSC (annotated with additional printed information) to: senior civil servants, including Sir Edward Bridges [Secretary to the War Cabinet]; the Chief Whip [James Stuart]; members of the Cabinet and other government ministers; General Sir Hastings Ismay [Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defence]; the Chiefs of Staff; "C" [Major General Sir Stewart Menzies, Head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service]....
Dates:
01 May 1945 - 31 May 1945
Conditions Governing Access:
Open, except for minutes M 497/5 and C 42/5, which are closed on Cabinet Office instructions under S23 of the Freedom of Information Act. Review 2021.
Item
(Untitled), [1945] - Jan 1950
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/244/2
Scope and Contents
Report by the Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force [in Western Europe, United States Army], General Dwight Eisenhower, to the Combined Chiefs of Staff on the operations in Europe of the Allied Expeditionary Force, 8 June 1944 to 8 May 1945, dated 13 July 1945. In a presentation binding with an annotated dedication to WSC from Eisenhower and a note [by WSC's secretary] indicating that the gift was acknowledged on 23 January 1950.
Dates:
[1945] - Jan 1950
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Found in:
Churchill Archives Centre
/
GBR/0014/CHAR and CHUR, The Papers of Sir Winston Churchill
/
Chartwell Papers
/
Official: Prime Minister
/
Official: Prime Minister: two copies of a report by the Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force [in Western Europe, United States Army], General Dwight Eisenhower, to the Combined Chiefs of Staff on the operations in Europe of the Allied Expeditionary Force, 8 June 1944 to 8 May 1945.
Unknown
"Wars are not won by evacuations", 04 Jun 1940
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/140A/9-28
Scope and Contents
Typescript copy of notes for WSC's speech on the fall of Belgium and surrender of King [Leopold] of Belgium; the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk [France]; the successes of the RAF; losses of men and weaponry; military development and the possibility of German invasion. Speech includes the phrase "We shall fight on the beaches . . . We shall never surrender".Carbon typescript copy with some manuscript annotations in ink [not by WSC] laid out in "psalm style" apart...
Dates:
04 Jun 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open