The final instalment of my Winston Churchill biography covers the final 20 years of Sir Winston Churchill's life (1945-65). It details Churchill's defeat at the polls in 1945, the circumstances around his "Iron Curtain" speech, his second period in office as Prime Minister (1951-55), retirement, death on the 24th January 1965 and his State Funeral.
Churchill and Japan defeated
The war in Europe was over, Germany had in effect surrendered unconditionally. Democracy continued in Britain with voting for a new government taking place in on 5th July 1945. Churchill (with many others) was heavily involved in numerous meetings across the channel. Though held in great affection by the British public and cheered wherever he went, Churchill was the leader of the Conservative party - the party that many of the working class felt had failed them in pre-war days. A clever campaign by Churchill's opponents coupled with a ridiculous comment by Winston comparing Britain's socialists with the Nazi Gestapo lead to Labour winning the election and Clement Atlee becoming the new Prime Minister. Winston was deeply saddened to be thrown out of office after his heroic wartime efforts. By the 15th August Japan too had surrendered and the Second World War was over. Churchill was immensely upset not to be in charge at the end.
Painting, Writing and Speaking in Opposition
With the war over Winston initially devoted himself to painting (with trips to France and Italy) and his writing - by beginning his great work "The Second World War" which would run to 6 volumes, the last being published in 1954. By Spring 1946 Churchill was once again involved in politics - speaking out against the threat of communism in his famous "Iron Curtain Speech" in Missouri. In a World tired of war Winston's speech was met with a hostile press. That didn't stop other Universities and institutions queueing up for a Churchill speech. In September 1946 Churchill spelled out his vision for a United States of Europe at Zurich University and in February 1949 he spoke of the need for a European Court of Human Rights. While Churchill dedicated himself to painting, writing and giving speeches across the globe his parliamentary colleagues in the Conservative party felt he was giving too little attention to their party. Following Clemmie's advice he once again concentrated on domestic affairs.
Prime Minister Again
With the threat of Cold War brewing Churchill was once again elected Prime Minister in the 1951 general election. The following year saw the accession to the throne of Queen Elizabeth the Second and the election of Eisenhower as a new US President. Though planning to retire soon, Churchill saw an opportunity to reconcile US and Russian differences, especially when Stalin died the following year. During 1953 Churchill suffered frequently with his health and many thought he should retire. Despite this he continued and he was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature. Churchill saw no contradiction in his opinion that the West could simultaneously pursue a policy of friendship with Russia whilst maintaining a position of military power (and its tacit threat). Eisenhower was rather more aggressive and confrontational.
Retirement to Paint and the Back Benches
Irritated by speculation about his retirement and frustrated at his inability to bring the West and Russia closer together, Churchill stepped down as Prime Minister on 5th April 1955. He was 80 years old. within a week he was off painting again in Sicily. Winston now spent more and more of his time in the sun, often the South of France only returning for important parliamentary debates. In 1959 he was once again returned by the people of Epping to be their MP in the general election. On the 27 July 1964 he made his last appearance in the House of Commons. The Great Statesman was seen off by a huge crowd.
The End
On the 30th November 1964 Winston celebrated his 90th birthday. He had once predicted that he would die on the anniversary of his father's death. Early on the morning of 24th January 1965 his family gathered round his bedside to say their farewells - the end was close. Seventy years to the day (almost to the minute) since Lord Randolph had passed away Winston Spencer Churchill died peacefully. More than 300,000 people filed past his coffin whilst he Lay in State. On the 30th January Winston was given the honour of the first State funeral for a commoner since the Duke of Wellington. A gun carriage bore the coffin from westminster Hall along Whitehall, past the cenotaph to St Pauls Cathedral where the funeral was held. The Queen (who was the 6th monarch Winston had served) and other heads of state gathered to pay their respects before the coffin was transported to boat to be sailed along the Thames to Waterloo station. On its journey the RAF paid their tribute with a fly past and the dockers of London dipped their cranes in respect of the Great Man.Winston is buried at Bladon, next to his parents within site of his birthplace, Blenheim Palace. RIP.
