Churchill's speech about Rommel?

[Beppo Schmidt]

Does anyone know the text of Churchill's speech about Rommel after his death?

[varjag]

I did not know that Churchill mentioned Rommel after his death. Are you not chasing the words Churchill spoke in Parliament in 1941/42? about 'above the din of battle...blabla...a great general/adversary....' - or words to that effect, varjag

[Foelkersam]

Hello Beppo.

This is a quotation from Gen F.W. von Mellenthin's 'Panzer Battles' page 179-180.

'One of the finest examples of the chivalrous spirit developed by the campaigns in the Western Desert, was shown in Winston Churchill's speeech in the House of Commons on 27 January 1942, when he said of Rommel: "We have a very daring and skilful opponent against us, and, may I say across the havoc of war, a great general." He adds in his memoirs:

My reference to Rommel passed off quite well at the moment. Later on I heard that some people had been offended. They could not feel that any virtue should be recognized in an enemy leader. This chulishness is a well-known streak in human nature, but contrary to the spirit in wich a war is won, or lasting peace established.'


I hope this was worth something.

[Beppo Schmidt]

Thank you, Foelkersman.