We Shall Fight on the Beaches

“Four days of intense street fighting passed before silence reigned over Calais, which marked the end of a memorable resistance.”

Depicting the silence following the battle allows Churchill to emphasize just what is at stake in each and every battle. When the countries in Europe were silent as Hitler rose to power, it allowed his forces to grow in strength and determination, leading to countries and cities being silenced by destruction and death.

“The enemy attacked on all sides with great strength and fierceness, and their main power, the power of their far more numerous Air Force, was thrown into battle or else concentrated upon Dunkirk and the beaches.”

Germany’s forces instilled great fear into the hearts of the European nations. However, Churchill highlights that even though the Germans struck with everything they had, the British and Allied troops at Dunkirk were still able to evacuate. The message gives the audience hope that Germany can be defeated.

“The numbers they have brought back are the measure of their devotion and their courage.”

In wartime, victories and losses are measured in numbers. Because of the evacuation of more than 300,000 troops, the British and the French live to fight another day. Churchill suggests that devotion and courage are traits that not everyone possesses, but the British and the French have these qualities in abundance.

“Meanwhile, the Royal Navy, with the willing help of countless merchant seamen, strained every nerve to embark the British and the Allied troops.”

Under heavy German fire from air, sea, and land, merchant seamen operated boats in order to get the troops to safety. When life and liberty were on the line, regular citizens risked their lives to save those who would continue to fight the war and rescue Europe.

“Wars are not won by evacuations.”

Churchill includes this quote as a segue to what is to come—a call to action. He recognizes that it is important to include praise for avoiding the worst-case scenario in a war. However, in order to truly win the war, offensive strategies must be put in place and carried out.

“The Royal Air Force engaged the main strength of the German Air Force, and inflicted upon them losses of at least four to one.”

This quote gives particular praise to the Air Force with statistics to back up the amount of damage inflicted on German pilots. Churchill uses this technique as a way to cushion the blow that is coming. Listeners are drawn in, hoping that more good news will follow.

“The Navy, using nearly 1,000 ships of all kinds, carried over 335,000 men, French and British, out of the jaws of death and shame, to their native land and to the tasks which lie immediately ahead.”

The importance of this quote lies in the final words. Churchill points out that there is much work to be done in the wake of these battles and the evacuation. He continues to engage his audience by making them a part of the discussion. This quote suggests that if the workload is shared, the tide of the war may be turned by the British people.

“There has never been, I suppose, in all the world, in all the history of war, such an opportunity for youth.”

This bold statement is meant to give listeners hope for the future of the Royal Air Force. With the draft in effect to recruit soldiers, Churchill knows that believing in the potential of its younger generation is important for British morale.

“The President of the Board of Trade is not here today. His son has been killed, and many in the House have felt the pangs of affliction in the sharpest form.”

In wartime, citizens often view elected officials as immune to the common man’s pain and sacrifice. Churchill challenges this notion by referencing an influential official who has lost a son. He emphasizes that the war is hurting everyone, and therefore, the nation must work together to end it.

“There may be very many who were reported missing who will come back home, some day, in one way or another. In the confusion of this fight it is inevitable that many have been left in positions where honour required no further resistance from them.”

Whether men were missing because they were in hiding or missing because they were prisoners of war, Churchill condemns no one in this statement. He offers hope without declaring that all the men missing in action are alive. Churchill suggests that everyone who fought for Britain has fulfilled their duty, no matter how their service ended.

“We shall not be content with a defensive war.”

Up to this point, many countries combatted Germany’s forces through defensive rather than proactive measures. Here, Churchill calls on citizens, leaders, and armies to go on the offensive and be prepared to fight.

“We must never forget the solid assurances of sea power and those which belong to air power if it can be locally exercised.”

Because Britain is an island, its main defenses are the Air Force and the Navy. In the face of a potential invasion by Germany, Churchill reminds the audience of the strength of these British forces.

“Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail.”

Churchill emphasizes that Britain is a small country, but this does not mean they will give up like other, larger nations. The alliteration of “fall,” “flag,” and “fail” creates a forceful tone underscoring the concept of Britain as uniquely resilient.