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Britain marks 50 years of state funeral for Winston Churchill

Saturday, January 31st 2015 - 09:25 UTC
Full article 27 comments

Britain marked 50 years on Friday since the state funeral of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill, with the boat which carried his coffin under the dipping dockside cranes in 1965 retracing its journey along London's River Thames. Read full article

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  • paulcedron

    CHURCHILL IN HIS OWN WORDS

    (During first World War): “Perhaps the next time round the way to do it will be to kill women, children and the civilian population.”

    Churchill on defending the morality of bombing from the air: “Now everyone’s at it. It’s simply a question of fashion – similar to that of whether short or long dresses are in.”

    “I do not understand the squeamishness about the use of gas. I am strongly in favour of using poisonous gas against uncivilised tribes.”
    Writing as president of the Air Council, 1919.

    “It is alarming and nauseating to see Mr Gandhi, a seditious Middle Temple lawyer, now posing as a fakir of a type well known in the east, striding half naked up the steps of the viceregal palace, while he is still organising and conducting a campaign of civil disobedience, to parlay on equal terms with the representative of the Emperor-King.”
    Commenting on Gandhi’s meeting with the Viceroy of India, 1931.

    “I do not admit… that a great wrong has been done to the Red Indians of America, or the black people of Australia… by the fact that a stronger race, a higher grade race… has come in and taken its place.”
    Churchill to Palestine Royal Commission, 1937.

    “The choice was clearly open: crush them with vain and unstinted force, or try to give them what they want. These were the only alternatives and most people were unprepared for either. Here indeed was the Irish spectre – horrid and inexorcisable.”
    Writing in The World Crisis and the Aftermath, 1923-31.

    “The unnatural and increasingly rapid growth of the feeble-minded and insane classes, coupled as it is with a steady restriction among all the thrifty, energetic and superior stocks, constitutes a national and race danger which it is impossible to exaggerate… I feel that the source from which the stream of madness is fed should be cut off and sealed up before another year has passed.”
    Churchill to Asquith, 1910.

    “One may dislike Hitler’s system and yet admire his patriotic achievement. If our countr

    Jan 31st, 2015 - 02:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Conqueror

    @1. So?

    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. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering.

    You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs—Victory in spite of all terror—Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.

    We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. 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, and if, which I do not for a moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.

    Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves, that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, This was their finest hour.

    Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. All hearts go out to the fighter pilots, whose brilliant actions we see with our own eyes day after day.

    This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.

    You should remember all those words. And think what they say about the British people.

    Jan 31st, 2015 - 03:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ElaineB

    Oh, the jealousy. We have a great war time leader Churchill, leading the world to defeat fascism and at the same time Argentina has Peron, a fascist fanatic idolising Mussolini and welcoming the fleeing Nazis (as long as they paid).

    Jan 31st, 2015 - 03:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • DerkeBlake

    @1

    I very, very rarely read your posts; thanks for reminding me why. Appreciate it.

    History must not judge leaders by the values and constraints of today, but by the standards and dictates of their time; and more specifically their contemporaries.
    In this respect, Churchill, although a humanly flawed man in some very (very) minor respects, was undoubtedly the greatest leader of the 20th century.

    Without his resolve during the “five days in May/1940”; the world would undoubtedly look much, much uglier today.

    Derke

    Jan 31st, 2015 - 04:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Chicureo

    Elaine
    Well said, and Argentina acted shamefully during and post WWII.

    Jan 31st, 2015 - 04:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • toooldtodieyoung

    David Cameron, began the remembrance events at a ceremony in parliament, laying a wreath at a statue of Churchill, a man he described as “a great Briton” who should never be forgotten.
    “A full fifty years since his funeral when the cranes along the Thames dipped low and the streets were lined with vast silent crowds, the sheer brilliance of Winston Churchill remains undimmed,” he said.
    “He left a Britain more free, more secure, more brave and more proud, for that we will always be grateful to him.”

    and now look at what has become of this great country that he fought to protect for so long.

    He did all that work, fought the good fight, only to have a COLOSSAL pr*ck like you, roll over and sell us ALL down the river to the new German lead invasion of Europe. Thanks Mr Camer-moron!!

    You know what?

    I, for one, am glad that Mr Churchill is dead. Because if he was alive, he would weep. He would weep when he saw how quickly and how easily you have sold out the country that he struggled so long and so hard for.

    You are a supreme kn*b Mr Camer-moron. You are not even fit to pay tribute to a man such as Churchill.

    By your actions, you are not even fit to hold the esteemed office of Prime Minister. You have sullied and cheapened it with your mere presence.

    So if you could please f**k off, and when you have f**ked off, please f**k off some more and crawl back under that rock which you no doubt escaped from.

    Jan 31st, 2015 - 04:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Briton

    their are two great historical figures ,
    famed for one thing or another,
    both came to our rescue and both were proud to be there to protect us,
    Winston Churchill,
    And
    Alfred the great
    great men from a great country,.

    Jan 31st, 2015 - 07:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Conqueror

    @6. I wonder why you are trying to promote your bigoted, political views about the UK on a South American site.

    Do you have no concept of loyalty to your country, assuming you are British. Just to remind you, a certain git called Chamberlain spent three years doing nothing but appease Hitler. Contrast that with David Cameron. Do you understand political realities at all? The Labour Party sold all Britain's gold at a knock-down price. It borrowed more than any previous government and spent it all. Thus the note that said, “There's no money left”. And then Cameron had to go into a coalition with a stupid, incompetent, useless thing that call itself a political party. A few minutes intelligent consideration shows what arseholes the likes of Clegg, Cable, Davey and Alexander are. And just how many activities have the aforesaid arseholes obstructed? I'm not exactly a supporter of David Cameron and he does have an attitude, membership of the EU, that I hate. However, what's wrong with trying to reduce benefits for migrant scroungers or reduce their numbers? As he is obstructed by the LimpDumbs and the ECtHR. What was wrong with 'intervening' in Syria now that we know where ISIL comes from? What's wrong with reducing benefits for scroungers? Benefits should be at £10 a week. Housing? Aren't muslims used to tents?

    If you had the slightest bit of intelligence you might try to see what is behind the articles. You need to grow up and ignore the Labour Party bullshit. And the LimpDumbs and Workshy are full of it. As are the SNP.

    Your apparent intelligence level gives you the political acuity of the majority of Americans.

    I'd happily shoot Clegg and Miliband without a second thought. And walk over and bayonet them as well.

    But do try to 'think'. Who might come after you?

    Jan 31st, 2015 - 08:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • LEPRecon

    @1 Paulcedron

    Churchill was just a man. A human being, who like all humans, have things they believe in...but those beliefs change as one gets older and more experienced. A human being who wasn't perfect, and who could make mistakes.

    But as others have stated you cannot judge historical events by using current morals and laws. Things were different in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

    On the other hand he stepped up and led Britain during its darkest hour and thanks to his leadership (which also wasn't perfect) he saved not only the UK, but he actually saved a good portion of the world from Nazi dictatorship.

    Because IF the UK had surrendered in 1940, then there would've been no delay on Operation Barbarossa (the invasion of Russia), and thus the Germans would've had time to take Moscow BEFORE winter set in. Because it was winter that saved the Russians that 1st year of invasion.

    And it's certain that the US would not have entered the 'European' war had it not been for the efforts of Churchill.

    And once Hitler had consolidated his power in Europe it's almost certain that he would've have turned his eyes towards the British Empire, the USA and finally South America. Because there wouldn't've been anyone left to stop him had both Germany and Japan been able to attack the US jointly.

    So everyone in the world should thank Churchill. Because of his leadership and sheer determination that rubbed off onto everyone, the Germans were delayed going into Russia - giving the Russians time to regroup and rearm. That meant that the UK and the British Empire fought on. It meant that the US didn't have to face the onslaught of the Japanese military and full might of the German military at the same time.

    And therefore South America was protected as no enemy troops were able to land in North America.

    So instead of criticising you should thank him.

    Jan 31st, 2015 - 08:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • toooldtodieyoung

    8 Conqueror

    “I wonder why you are trying to promote your bigoted, political views about the UK on a South American site”

    Maybe because the story is printed here?

    “Do you have no concept of loyalty to your country”

    YOU maybe happy that Camer-moron is a lap dog to the USSUR and is happy to sell us all out to his FAILED idea of multiculturalism and the disastrous open borders policy.

    YOU might be happy that he doesn't actually listen to anyone that voted for him and you very well be ecstatic that he has cut our armed forces to catastrophic levels.

    YOU might be happy with all of his failings and is smoke-and-mirrors politics, but I am not.

    and as for calling my views on what a t-wat camer-moron is “bigoted” HA!!! and I say again HA!!

    Have you read any of your own posts recently?

    Jan 31st, 2015 - 08:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Briton

    If im correct,
    Churchill was half American [ his mother I believe ]
    and the Americans have a ship named after him, USS Churchill.

    Jan 31st, 2015 - 11:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ilsen

    1 paulcedron

    hahahahaha!

    This is so different from your posts on The Guardian 'Comment is Free' section where you try so hard to suck up to the English by trying to appear reasonable and educated.

    But always fail.

    When criticised, you revert to type. Just like here.

    lol!

    Penguin-cedron, the ultimate insecure 'English wanna-be'!!

    Truly laughable.

    A fool and a troll.

    How sad.

    Get a life, you idiot.

    Feb 01st, 2015 - 04:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    Pablo, ComfortBoy to his Chinese masters,

    Pablo condemns Churchill for his rhetoric of 115 years ago.

    Pablo echoed the profound Anti-British sentiments of his fascist bigotted President Peron.

    Churchill surely screwed Peron's hopes and ambitions by standing up genocidists Hitler and Stalin.

    Feb 01st, 2015 - 06:14 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ilsen

    What did you do in the War, Argentina?

    well?

    Feb 01st, 2015 - 12:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Briton

    Probably hid behind the sofa, or the Germans lolol.

    Feb 01st, 2015 - 11:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • paulcedron

    CHURCHILL´S WAR CRIMES

    Black and Tans

    WW2 Bengal Holocaust, Bengal Famine [deliberate starving to death of of 6-7 million Indians

    UK rejection of 1944 Brand plan to save Hungarian Jews [0.2-0.4 million killed by Nazis and Arrow Cross fascists out of 0.7 million

    Massive Bombing of Dresden More than 500,000 German civilians and refugees, mostly women and children, were slaughtered by Britain’s saturation bombing in 1945, one of the worst massacres of all time, when Germany was already defeated.

    13 boludo
    perón was a son of a bitch
    read a history book once in a while.
    that is the difference between me and you, i can recognize our own shite, you retarded, brainwashed isleter.

    14 pelotudo
    thanks to argentina, little britain did not starve to death in ww2.
    the funny thing is that the little englanders never paid a shite for those food shipments.
    but what else can you expect?
    we are talking of england here, lol.

    Feb 02nd, 2015 - 12:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    16 Pablo ComfortBoy

    How many times have we covered this ?

    Britain paid for food
    So did Germany
    ARGENTINA profited handsomely

    I can't believe that you are so stupid as to believe that Britsin was morally obligated to save everyone, to feed everyone, to distribute food and weapons, and medical aid to everyone?

    You would insist they avoid ALL civilians and ensure there was minimal loss of life and nobody's rights were violated, before fighting for their uncertain survival - you really are naive !!

    I suppose you believe too, that it was “morally wrong” to defend the Falklands, if it meant taking lives, or perhaps the Brits should have fought with one hand behind their backs, because they were better trained???

    Get real, you moron!

    Feb 02nd, 2015 - 01:57 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    17.

    To be fair, there is a BBC 8 episode series about how Britain had a agricultural revolution during WW2.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wartime_Farm

    Indeed Argentina exported beef to the UK, but to be fair it was not at the time a large grain exporter. I seriously doubt beef would have consisted the main diet and carbohydrates source for the soldiers and factory workers in Britain, beef is not even today in Argentina. The fairy tale that Argentina single handedly “fed” the UK during WW2 is bizarre.

    Feb 02nd, 2015 - 02:54 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • DerkeBlake

    @17 Troy

    I have no idea why you even attempt to reply to such delusional ramblings. None of his crap is even remotely factually accurate. It's to the point of being cruel; it's like making fun of a handicapped kid. You win every time, but it's a rather shallow victory.

    D

    Feb 02nd, 2015 - 06:14 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    Winston Churchill had faults like any other human being, but he was the man for the hour in 1940.
    The entire world(& that includes ungrateful, childish Argentina)owes Winston a very great debt.
    @9 LEPRecon,
    A very intelligent & well thought out post.

    Feb 02nd, 2015 - 09:49 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • paulcedron

    lep.elotudo
    “Churchill was just a man. A human being, who like all humans, have things they believe in...but those beliefs change as one gets older and more experienced. A human being who wasn't perfect, and who could make mistakes.”

    yes, blablabla.
    with that criteria you cannot even judge hitler, perón, videla, galtieri, thatcher, blair and list goes on.

    the fact is churchill was another criminal, more or less like hitler, but with better propaganda.

    Feb 02nd, 2015 - 12:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • HansNiesund

    @21

    Who can you name who meets your high ethical standards?

    Feb 02nd, 2015 - 01:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Briton

    16 paulcedron

    mmmmm crimes,
    interesting you forgot to mention ARGENTINAs crimes against her people,
    nuns thrown out of helicopters
    , thousands missing and tortured and murdered,

    Argentina the devils paradise full of liars and thieves..

    Feb 02nd, 2015 - 08:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ilsen

    Penguin-Cedron is a busted flush.
    So Over now.
    Massive Fail.
    Again.
    Yawn...

    Feb 03rd, 2015 - 03:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Skip

    The UK got Churchill.
    Argentina got Peron.

    Both countries still carry the influence today.

    The two countries aren't even in the same league so there's no use comparing.

    It's why Paul is such a peronista. He was fed the lies and now he believes them. Argentina is always the victim.

    Feb 03rd, 2015 - 04:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • atk357

    I had the privilege to evaluate a “goodwill speech”...the choice was obvious ...Churchill's famous ”the few' speech (Battle of Britain late August 1940) at a Toastmasters meeting and he was my alternate choice for a Dissertation. Churchill was a great visionary and leader for Great Briatin!

    Feb 03rd, 2015 - 06:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Usurping Pirate

    @1 : Thanks to Churchill and the Conservatives , Britain today is a thriving , diverse democracy with one of the highest economic growth rates in the world .
    Thanks to Peron , Argentina is a bankrupt , corrupt , violent backwater and thanks to CFK and her cabal , an economic colony of China for the next 50 years .
    Don't throw stones when you live in a very fragile glass house .

    Feb 04th, 2015 - 09:03 am - Link - Report abuse 0

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