Winston Churchill
- Scotland Far East Prisoner of War Trust
- Jan 24
- 1 min read
On This Day: Remembering Winston Churchill
On this day in 1965, Sir Winston Churchill passed away, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, resilience, and words that shaped history. While he is often remembered for his defiance during WWII, his speeches resonate deeply with those who endured the horrors of captivity, including the Far East Prisoners of War.
Churchill once said:
“To each, there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.”
For the FEPoWs, their moment came not in victory but in survival—enduring unspeakable hardships, holding onto their spirit, and returning home to a nation that too often forgot their sacrifice. In his VE Day speech, Churchill acknowledged:
“We must now devote all our strength and resources to the completion of our task, both at home and abroad. Advance, Britannia! Long live the cause of freedom! God save the King!”
Yet for the men suffering in the Far East, liberation was still months away, and recognition took decades. Churchill’s leadership in wartime was undeniable, but the FEPoWs faced an uphill battle for acknowledgment—one that still continues.
Today, we reflect not just on Churchill’s words but on those who lived through the consequences of war. We remember their struggles, their resilience, and their right to be honoured.
Let us not forget.
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