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CHURCHILL, Winston S. (1874-1965). Autograph letter signed ('W.') to his brother Jack, Admiralty, 9 November [19]14, 4 pages, 8vo . Provenance : Sotheby's, 17 July 1997, lot 393.
CHURCHILL, Winston S. (1874-1965). Autograph letter signed ('W.') to his brother Jack, Admiralty, 9 November [19]14, 4 pages, 8vo . Provenance : Sotheby's, 17 July 1997, lot 393. A RESPONSE TO THE CARNAGE OF THE GREAT WAR. Churchill writes in reply to a letter from Jack describing the bloody battle of Ypres, expressing his acute consciousness of 'the ignoble position of one who merely cheers from the bank the gallant efforts of the rowers', though his political involvements pin him to London, where 'The combinations at this moment are of the highest interest and importance'. On the overall direction of the war he reassures Jack with the sentiment that the result is certain, though still distant; nevertheless, he remains anxious for his brother, wishing that he could join him in action ('I expect I should be v[er]y frightened but I w[oul]d dissemble'); the letter concludes with comments on the fine conduct of Jack's regiment, and mention of the death of friends including Hugh Dawnay (killed at Ypres four days previously). John Churchill (1880-1947), always known as 'Jack', was at the start of the war in the Oxfordshire Hussars (Yeomanry). A professional soldier, he and Winston held many sympathies in common, and it was to him that Churchill could write most freely of his own feelings and his opinions of or reactions to the war, its leaders and their policies.