January 1, 1970

Only the intervention of King George VI prevented Churchill going to observe the D-Day landings on 6 June from a battle cruiser. But a few days later, with battles still being fought on French soil, he crossed the Channel to see Montgomery at his base.

He was always keen to be involved in the detail of the fighting and was ‘hands-on’ with his commanders and with strategy and tactics. Occasionally, one can see in the elder leader, as he observes battles and directs operations from a distance, the young boy manoeuvring his toy soldiers.