?A true patriot ? generous, hard-working, an inspirational leader? – The President of the United Kingdom National Defence Association (UKNDA), Winston S. Churchill, has died after a two-year battle with cancer.
Winston Spencer Churchill was the grandson of Sir Winston Churchill and, like his grandfather, had pursued a career in journalism and politics. As a war correspondent he covered conflicts such as Israel?s Six Day War in 1967. He was a Conservative MP for Manchester (Stretford and later Davyhulme) from 1970 to 1997.
In an echo of his grandfather?s long and sometimes lonely fight against the follies of disarmament and appeasement in the 1930s, he became the founder-President of the UKNDA in 2007. This group was formed to highlight the state of Britain?s chronically under-funded and over-stretched Armed Forces, and to bring pressure to bear on Parliament to increase the resources available for Defence of the Realm.
The group was launched in November 2007 at the Churchill Museum in London?s Cabinet War Rooms. Alongside Mr Churchill at the launch were the founder-Patrons of the UKNDA: the former Foreign Secretary Lord Owen, and three former Chiefs of the Defence Staff ? Admiral Lord Boyce, General Lord Guthrie and Marshal of the RAF Lord Craig.
Under Mr Churchill?s leadership, the UKNDA has campaigned vigorously in support of Britain?s hard-pressed Armed Forces and has played a key role in pushing defence and national security higher up the political agenda.
The UKNDA?s Chief Executive, Commander John Muxworthy, paid tribute to the Association?s President, with whom he had worked closely since the UKNDA was formed. Cdr Muxworthy said: ?The death of Winston Spencer Churchill after a two-year protracted battle against cancer, bravely and doggedly fought, is a grievous loss to the UKNDA. ?WSC?, as he used to sign himself, was our very first President. His untimely early death is a greater tragedy for the country which he served devotedly for many years.
?As President of the UKNDA, WSC was generous, hard working, proactive, and an inspirational leader. A true patriot, WSC followed in the steps of his grandfather, Sir Winston, who, in the 1930s campaigned ceaselessly for this country to rearm in the face of the ever-growing threat from Nazi Germany. Eighty years on, ?our? Winston has been fighting the same battle.
?WSC never faltered in his devotion and commitment to this country and its national and international interests. Our sympathies go out especially to his family who have supported him in his valiant struggle throughout, and especially in the final months when they were at his bedside at all times.
?Farewell, Winston. If there is a Valhalla, you are surely there.?
UKNDA Vice-President Colonel Bob Stewart added: ?Winston was a thoroughly decent man and a great friend to me. I first got to know him 17 years ago and twice during that time I have asked for his help on behalf of other people who really needed assistance ? and twice he gave it without reservation. By so doing he changed those people?s lives forever. He did that quietly and without a fuss. I shall miss him terribly. God bless Winston.?
Shortly before his final illness, Winston Churchill wrote a powerful ?Appeal to the Nation? highlighting the parallels between the UKNDA?s mission today and his grandfather?s crusade for rearmament in the 1930s.