A Nation at the Brink
On June 4, 1940, Winston Churchill addressed the House of Commons after the Dunkirk evacuation rescued 338,000 Allied troops. Despite this success, France was days away from collapse, and Nazi forces remained a growing threat. Churchill’s speech prepared Britain for the worst and aimed to send a message to America.
The Words That Would Define a War
Churchill’s speech recounted Dunkirk’s retreat, calling it a “colossal military disaster.” He vowed to continue fighting, declaring, “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.” He ended with a subtle appeal to America, hoping for future support.
The Public’s Unexpected Reaction
While Parliament applauded, the British public did not immediately rally behind Churchill’s words. Many felt disheartened rather than inspired. Unlike popular belief, his speech was not broadcast live. Most Britons would not hear his own voice deliver it until he recorded it years later, in 1949.
The Conspiracy That Followed
A later rumor claimed actor Norman Shelley had recorded the speech for radio. While Shelley did impersonate Churchill in some wartime recordings, there is no evidence he read this address. Despite its delayed impact, Churchill’s speech became one of the most famous wartime addresses in history.
On June 4, 1940, Winston Churchill addressed Parliament after the Dunkirk evacuation, where 338,000 troops were rescued. Despite this success, Nazi forces were closing in on France. Churchill’s speech warned of imminent invasion, prepared Britain for battle.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/ApJwwDv9ED
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