Description:Duchess Millicent's papers include correspondence with Winston Churchill written during the early twentieth century, and also typed memoirs written during the First World War. A
Amongst these papers are the typed memoirs featured above which were written by the Duchess recalling a discussion she had with Churchill on 4th June 1916 whilst ‘on leave for a few days at Heartsbourne Manor’.
The memoir provides an insight into the private thoughts and actions of Churchill, offering an intriguing contrast with his public portrayal. Duchess Millicent writes ‘I went for a long walk with Winston this afternoon’. She notes their conversation about Lord Kitchener, stating that Churchill’s ‘greatest ambition is to upset Kitchener, dislodge from his post that silent man by full testimony of his wrong-doings’. She continues, discussing Lord Kitchener, ‘I assure him [Churchill] that whatever we think, the man in the street still strongly believes in Kitchener and so do I’. She reports that Churchill said ‘Lloyd George, who dislikes [Kitchener] is reported to have said “My God, if you knew what that man had done it would make your flesh creep.’
Providing an intriguing insight into the character of one of Britain’s most famous politicians, Duchess Millicent writes ‘Winston would have none of such peace. He would fight till all the nations of the world were ruined… I suggested mildly “I suppose the Germans come on all this time?” “Let them come on”, said Winston. “If they get there we will fight them in the open”'.
The conclusion of Duchess Millcent's memoirs conveys Churchill’s attitude during the First World War. She writes ‘the rain poured down. His gestures became a little less violent. With his head poked forward he strode along on the main Stanmore Road and I beside him. After a pause, “And what does Asquith say to your ideas?” I ventured. “Oh,” he answered mildly, “Asquith thinks the War will just finish itself. He hasn’t realised that this is Armageddon. Every country of the Western World is sizzling in the melting pot. We must win, we must win.”’
Much of Duchess Millicent's correspondence reflects her ability to offer sympathy and comfort to people, particularly following a bereavement. Amongst her letters from Churchill is a response to a letter she wrote to him following the death of his mother. Churchill writes ‘Jack and I will miss her so much’. Churchill describes his sadness ‘that she is gone: that there is no chance of Eddie opening my office door to say she has come to see me…that I shall never have one of our jolly talks again’. He concludes the letter ‘but dear Millie your sympathy is greatly grateful come’, noting that her letter shows ‘what a true heart you have’.
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