Churchill's first broadcast as Prime Minister

"I speak to you for the first time as Prime Minister in a solemn hour for the life of our country, of our empire, of our allies, and, above all, of the cause of freedom." So began Winston Churchill’s radio broadcast of 19 May 1940. Although the Nazis were seemingly unstoppable in France, Churchill was resolute and inspiring. The speech is known as Be Ye Men of Valour for the use of a passage from the Book of Maccabees, with which he finished: "Arm yourselves, and be ye men of valour, and be in readiness for the conflict; for it is better for us to perish in battle than to look upon the outrage of our nation..."

Churchill was not a fan of the radio but could see its value in allowing him to communicate directly with the British population. During the summer of 1940 - when the news from France was bad and invasion appeared imminent - he made several historic radio broadcasts, including Their Finest Hour on 14 June and The Few - in praise of the RAF - on 20 August.

Churchill made 33 such radio speeches during the war. Some were delivered in the House of Commons first while others were specially written. His memorable radio broadcasts are viewed as the benchmark for Prime Ministerial broadcasting, which later politicians have often sought to match.