"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." - Winston Churchill

50 years ago, January 24, 1965, Winston Churchill died at his home at age 90. To that date, the state funeral for Churchill was the largest ever held: representatives from 112 nations attended, as did the Queen of the United Kingdom.



Photo: dailymail.co.uk

Churchill served Great Britain as the prime minister during World War II and is considered to be one of the greatest leaders during a war in the 20th century. Prior to being elected prime minister, Churchill held a number of political positions as well as serving in the military. In World War I, he commanded the 6th battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers on the Western Front.

 
Photo: dailymail.co.uk

Between the wars, Churchill warned of the growing danger of Nazi Germany, but the country was not prepared for another war and Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain was more inclined towards appeasement to stave off another world war. During WWII, Churchill was steadfast and inspirational in refusing defeat, which helped to bolster British support and action. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in British history as well as the Greatest Briton of all time.

Photo: Hilary Grabowska (outside the British Embassy in Washington, DC)