Winston Churchill Speech – We Shall Fight on The Beaches


Winston Churchill’s speech ‘we shall fight them on the beaches’ is one of the defining speeches during the second world war. It uses the technique of repetition to very good effect.

This is one of three speeches Churchill gave at this time. We also have a transcript of Winston Churchill’s Blood Sweat and Tears speech.

4 June 1940

“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.”

We also have a transcript of Winston Churchill’s Blood Sweat and Tears speech

Urban myth: Interesting to note that Churchill never said “We shall fight them on the beaches”. If you look at the text above it says “we shall fight on the beaches”.

Image Attribution: By United Nations Information Office, New York [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

 

Published On: 9th May 2010

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62 Comments
  1. They don’t make em like old Winnie any longer.

    kenny komodo 3 Sep at 4:57 am
  2. The world today, and its weak and highly corruptible so-called leaders, could only marvel at such INTEGRITY. They are bankrupt when it comes to doing GOOD! And if necessary,MUST be forced to do the right thing.

    Gasoleen 16 Sep at 8:11 pm
  3. If Churchill could se what Britain has become he would be turning in his grave.

    Haz 29 Nov at 5:51 pm
  4. this speach is so touching it made me feel sogreatful that our contery is soo strong. god bless the UK

    sarah-lou 6 Dec at 8:59 pm
  5. Just proves that whoever we are and what race we come from we should fight for OUR country and protect it like we protect our family and home!

    Amy 22 Dec at 3:14 pm
  6. This is always misquoted. Even the heading on this page gets it wrong despite the correct part being below on the same page.

    Churchill's Biggest Fan 27 Jan at 12:45 pm
  7. I’m writing a family history book about my ancestors, and even though they were Norweigian, Winston’s speech is so inspiring I’m going to include it in my 1940’s decade.

    Patricia Ehlers 7 Feb at 9:23 pm
  8. Really inspiring.A nation needs legendary leader like Winston churchill to inpire n lead the people.

    Rajit Kemprai 9 Feb at 8:50 am
  9. This speech is very good it shows how the British would never give up no matter what was going to happen. It also shows how they were already planning D-day on June 6th, 1944

    Chris Kennedy 23 Feb at 2:19 pm
  10. At the start of the millenium the BBC polled the British Public who they thought was the greatest Britain ever and Winston won it. Although I thought (and think) Oliver Cromwell is the greatest Briton the overall credibility of the survey is diminished by Diana Princess of Wales coming 3rd

    G W P 13 Mar at 11:05 pm
  11. This speech is good. I look up to Churchill. He never gave up in the Battle of Brittan. Even when the RAF was at it’s breaking point. He fought on till he could win control of the air.

    Not telling 22 Apr at 5:37 pm
  12. I was born in March 1945 and named after Churchill (and Dwight DAVID Eisenhower). Churchill’s speech celebrates the incomprehensible depth of the human spirit.

    David Winston Caldwell 2 Jun at 6:20 pm
  13. I listened to that speech over the radio in 1940 and although only fourteen then it inspired me and still brings a tear to the eye 70 years later. There is in my mind the thought that Churchill saved the world from the horrors of Hitlers horrors.

    Hugh Putt 18 Jun at 2:19 am
  14. Truly an inspiration can only be compared with jfk the two leaders this world will never have

    Jean wafula 27 Aug at 7:09 am
  15. if it wasn’t for Mr.Churchill WWII would have been a lot bloodier and more costly and more inhuman thank you Mr.Churchill for helping to kill that BLOODY BASTARD Hitler now lets all take a moment to praise Winston Churchill……WInston Churhill

    bobby jackson 24 Sep at 11:51 pm
  16. thats is now my homework done coppy and paste

    archie 17 Oct at 8:40 pm
  17. @archie, I’m sure your teacher wouldn’t realise that the homework you handed in was one of the most famous speeches of all time and not actually your own work. No way. Anyway, this speech is so inspirational, if only he could see what the leaders are like now….

    Never You Mind 18 Nov at 5:59 pm
  18. Dear everybody,
    I am just wondering to whom this speech was leaded to? Because it is said that it was to the House of Commons but also to the population on the BBC radio. I would like to know if it has been first to the House of Common and then, a few days later, to the British people through radio. Am I right?
    Thank you for your help.

    flore 22 Nov at 5:19 pm
  19. yep its a very good speech, im using it for my home work

    Anonymous 1 Dec at 11:36 pm
  20. Using this speach for a ww2 fact file that I need to do x

    caitlin 10 Dec at 5:18 pm
  21. QUESTION!
    i feel strongly about the famous churchhills PICS!
    I FEEL MEH FELLAs pics dont include the famous….
    SKIN ED!!!

    BEST WISHES,

    SIMON COWELL XXXXXXX

    skin ED 7 Mar at 4:22 pm
  22. this is such a insperational speech

    Anonymous 11 Mar at 2:03 am
  23. Churchill was the perfect leader during WW11.
    A tenacious focused PM who not only inspired and led
    his people but via his friendship with
    Roosevelt inspired the essential Lend Lease that was
    Necessary for Britain’s survival
    Nobody could have done it better
    The Man of the century.

    David 17 Mar at 8:28 am
  24. Winston demonstrated well how powerful words can be compared to bows and arrows…….i wish i would just sit down and listen him talking over and over,he is truly a legend and i look upto him!!!

    Dan rutto 21 Mar at 1:22 pm
  25. As an American of a partially British decent I have a certain kindred feeling towards Britain and as a History major mainly studying the 20th century their is no greater man to study than Winston Churchill. His tenacity and Never surrender attitude are the reason the whole of Europe was not run over by the Germans.

    Ethan 26 Mar at 6:56 pm
  26. Wow I’ve just read this speech,and nearly came to tears. I tried to emagine what the people Of Britain must have been going through at that time,and to have someone to be able to stand up during those days,and deliver a speech like that is truly a blessing. What a brave,and powerful speaker. The world definately could use another Winston Churchill

    Steven(LANDO) 7 Apr at 6:14 pm
  27. Winston demonstrated how powerful a speech can be. He is amazing to look up to and has changed the lives of many and has a great influence on all.

    Danickia Jane Campbell 9 Apr at 2:54 am
  28. Winston is one of the two greatest leaders of all time. The other one is JFK. Truly amazing.

    Danickia Jane Campbell 9 Apr at 3:00 am
  29. I live in austraila and I’m happy that we don’t have to fight for everything we get . god love AU.

    silly lilly 19 Apr at 7:38 am
  30. rhetorical terms used?

    Anonymous 24 Apr at 5:48 pm
  31. Please never type WWII as WW11. Only up to a second world war no need for an 11th.

    Anonymous 4 Aug at 12:06 pm
  32. good good

    bob boberson 11 Sep at 2:39 am
  33. marvellous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xD

    patrick patterson 11 Sep at 2:41 am
  34. must read…

    jerry 21 Sep at 4:22 pm
  35. nice

    rebecca holly 24 Nov at 12:53 pm
  36. Iron maiden used this speech

    Anonymous 8 Dec at 3:26 pm
  37. Some of us who were not born then only hear about these leaders. We marvel at their courage, determination, integrity and intelligence. Times have changed, but if we ever had Sir Winston Churchchill with us today, I am sure he would have been the leader the world had then. Not only Great Britan but the world should honor such a illustrious individual.

    Jude J. Soares 22 Dec at 7:40 am
  38. Churchill gave the speech to the HoC, portions were read over the radio in the following days. The speech that we now hear in Churchill’s voice was actually recorded for posterity in 1949, 9 years after the actual HoC speech. A great motivating speech from a great man. Marshall, Tx, USA

    Marshall 3 Mar at 4:22 am
  39. 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

    Dan 8 Mar at 1:53 pm
  40. Inspiration is the key to success whatever the task ahead. Geat speech that led to victory. But please note, Churchill invoked the name of God as the Mighty power where victory will come from.Who can win against an army that has intertwined its willwith that of the almighty?

    Jason Mosomi 24 Apr at 8:30 am
  41. It’s definitely a large part of history

    Eddy 26 Apr at 7:27 pm
  42. Just wrote a 2 and half page essay on it, took like 2 and a half hours.

    I think this page should mention it only displays a portion of the speech.

    Eddy 27 Apr at 11:58 pm
  43. It’s interesting. He’s a gifted orator. This “new world” refers to USA. He repeat the phrase “we shall fight “over and over to emphasise the listener and make them to fight.

    pooja 30 May at 7:44 am
  44. According to a BBC documentary this only was spoken in the House of Commons, it never went on Air. Winston Churchill recorded it in his bedroom in 1949 along with other speeches.

    It doesn’t detract from how brilliant it is though.

    Martin 5 Jun at 10:33 am
  45. VERY NICE AND COURAGEOS SPEECH.

    AJIT JENA 20 Jun at 3:48 pm
  46. I have read that Churchill did not say fight “them” but does it matter, it was a most inspiring speech.

    Peter Hulme 2 Oct at 1:23 pm
  47. cheers for the homework help :’)

    Anonymous 19 Oct at 2:43 pm
  48. that speech is great

    noah pollock 20 Oct at 3:53 am
  49. “The New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old”

    The new world is the United States. I think Churchill knew the potential of the USA had.

    Anonymous 15 Nov at 8:44 am
  50. hi

    Anonymous 30 Apr at 12:31 pm
  51. 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.”

    Bob 2 May at 2:59 am
  52. This speech cool

    james 11 May at 2:25 am
  53. hi guys very helpful

    nelu the bear 11 May at 2:26 am
  54. As a child living in London in 1941, I remember clearly Winston’s voice and his words on the radio at the time of this speech, and it was months before America got into the war (only after Pearl Harbor, which was after this speech.) We had already experienced German bombers and many nights in the air raid shelter by then.

    Martin Willcocks 23 May at 6:31 pm
  55. I lived in london at the time winston churchill was saying this speech, i was there ini fact. i found is words inspiring, however i feel that some websites need to analyse the speech t o give the younger generation an understanding of how powerful the overll message was.

    lucy 3 May at 5:13 pm
  56. Me gusta mucho speach

    Ya Boi 27 Jun at 10:05 am
  57. HOMEWORK DONE !!!

    dude 15 Nov at 2:31 pm
  58. truly a great man

    robert 27 Nov at 7:25 pm
  59. Ironically, I think you will find that this “we shall fight them on the beaches” speech was based on something PM Chamberlain wrote or said a few years earlier – and Winnie lifted some of the phrases but in his initimatable way gave it grandeur etc – see article by Christopher Hitchens on Churchill being the greatest man of 20th century

    andrew 20 Jan at 11:20 pm
  60. I saw a documentary some years ago , apparently at the time the famous speech came on the radio ,Winston Churchill was out of the country ,and it was read on air by another man who sounded like Churchill . Has anyone else heard this??.

    Doreen 27 Jan at 7:59 am
  61. wahoo!

    anomyous 23 Apr at 2:34 pm
  62. Thank you – both speeches are amazingly powerful. In January 1965, aged 14, I stood in line for hours in Westminster with my dad and twin brother to file past Winston lying in state.

    Note that on the Fight on the Beaches page it says: “Urban myth:
    “Interesting to note that Churchill never said “We shall fight them on the beaches”. If you look at the text above it says “we shall fight on the beaches”.

    If you follow the link to the Blood, Sweat and Tears page (the other myth, as the text explains, it and should be Blood Toil, Tears and Sweat!), the cross reference perpetuates the myth:

    “We also have a transcript of Winston Churchill’s Fight them on the beaches speech.”

    Martin Williams 21 Jun at 4:13 pm