January 1, 1970

Introduced by Richard M. Langworth

In an exciting research project, two historians, a Canadian and a Cuban, have shed new light on Churchill’s first military adventure, which influenced his development far more than generally believed. Not only do they trace Churchill’s exact travel route with the Spanish during the Cuban revolt, they also provide sketches originated by Churchill for his newspaper, the Daily Graphic.

Among these is a drawing from 2 December 1895 — the first day Churchill heard bullets whistle in anger. That night, Churchill’s hammock was separated from enemy fire by a Spanish general ‘of substantial physique … I have never been prejudiced against fat men. At any rate I did not grudge this one his meals’. Churchill added that when challenged by a Spanish outpost one must answer ‘Spain,’ but encountering a rebel outpost the right answer is ‘Free Cuba’; ‘if you make a mistake it is likely to be very awkward’.

Although Churchill travelled with the Spanish, his sympathies were entirely with the rebels. This didn’t prevent him from accepting Spain’s Order of Military Merit, which he often wore, contrary to regulations.

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Read the full article here: ‘First Full Signs of the Man He Was to Become’ by Hal Klepak,in Finest Hour 159, Summer 2013, scroll to page 24.