| ...
we shall fight on the beaches ... |
|
|
|
| I
have myself full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected,
and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall
prove ourselves once again able to defend our island home, to ride out the
storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years
if necessary alone. |
| At
any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of
His Majesty's Government, every man of them. That is the will of Parliament
and the nation. The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together
in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native
soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength. |
| 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. |
| 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
even 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. |
| |