Winston Churchill (1874-1965) used his words to inspire a nation under threat from the blitz and worked tirelessly to bring about an allied victory to World War Two. It was his determination and commitment that cemented him as an icon of the 20th Century who continues to inspire people to this day – including us at Conway Stewart where the Churchill and Winston models are named after him.

Keep Buggering On – Ty Bennett Keep Buggering On – Ty Bennett

Langworth, Richard M. Churchill by Himself: The Life, Times and Opinions of Winston S. Churchill in his Own Words. New York: Public Affairs, 2008. Throughout history there have been numerous attempts to convey the need to keep strong under pressure – but Churchill, in his lexical wisdom, put it succinctly when he “KBO” (Keep Buggering On).

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Although one of his more tongue-in-cheek maxims the essence of it conveys something Churchill knew all too well. During his time as First Lord of the Admiralty in the First World War, Churchill oversaw one of Britain’s worst military defeats – the Gallipoli Campaign . John B. Severance, Winston Churchill: Soldier, Statesman, Artist (New York: Clarion Books, 1996), 17. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender. 6 Adequate preparation for war is the only guarantee for the preservation of the wealth, natural resources, and territory of the State, and it can only be based upon an understanding, firstly, of the probable dangers that may arise; secondly, of the best general method of meeting them as taught by the principles to be deduced from the events of history; and, thirdly, of the most efficient application of the war material of the era. 12

CHURCHILL HERITAGE COLLECTION - Conway Stewart

Churchill applied this policy to his duties as First Lord of the Admiralty and set about thoroughly preparing Britain’s fleet for war. He also studied German naval progress, strength, and maneuvers. A mere four years later, World War I broke out, and thanks to Churchill’s wisdom, the British Navy was well prepared for battle. In summary, Churchill possessed exceptional strategic foresight, tempered with a healthy dose of realism. As one observer wrote, “Churchill had great foresight, but he knew the future is mostly unpredictable.” 13The last component of Churchill’s remarkable formula for success was his imperturbable personality. Coupled with a dogged determination was a personality that was capable of exuding charm and wit, and that caused people to gravitate toward him. Churchill famously described himself in the following way: “We are all worms but I do believe I am a glow worm.” History shows that he did indeed glow. For example, he was able to maintain a poise in even the most stressful of times: Produced in association with Churchill Heritage Ltd which is a company through which the Churchill family distributes money to charities and good causes that keep alive the legacy of Sir Winston Churchill and the spirit of the words of wisdom he penned. Up to 20% of every pen sold goes to Churchill Heritage to help organise events and education to keep alive the memory of Sir Winston Churchill and his wise words for future generations. One of Winston Churchill’s chief attributes as a leader was his capability of inspiring people, regardless of seemingly ominous circumstances. The source of this inspiration was his own character. Churchill perpetually demonstrated enthusiasm, determination, and optimism—if not at all times in private, then at least always in public. One of Churchill’s private secretaries spoke of Churchill’s drive:

Prince Philip embodied the KBO spirit - The Post - UnHerd Prince Philip embodied the KBO spirit - The Post - UnHerd

Below the maxim is an engraved recreation of Churchill’s signature and the mark of pride that each Conway Stewart pen is “Made in Britain”. In association with Churchill Heritage Ltd, Conway Stewart has produced the Churchill Heritage Collection, a series of limited edition writing instruments with designs inspired by the words of the great man himself. “KBO” is the fourth in the series. THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE Early on in the war, the current Prime Minister resigned and Churchill was appointed Prime Minister. He held the position through the difficult war era, but lost the reelection in 1945, the sentiment being that his success during wartime surely couldn’t be repeated after. But Churchill kept buggering on and won reelection the in the next election and was able to hold the position until his resignation in 1955.The organization of his wartime premiership was a central feature of Churchill’s war leadership. That organization took several months to perfect, but from his first days as Prime Minister and Minister of Defense he worked to establish it, and to create in the immediate ambit of 10 Downing Street an organization that would give the nation strong and effective leadership. 15 World War II, however, is where Churchill’s personality shines the most. He tirelessly travelled to military positions and installations, conducting inspections, boosting morale, and supporting commanders. He also established a personal friendship with Franklin Delano Roosevelt and maintained strong relations and diplomatic ties with the American Government. Through it all, he was able to maintain a cool assurance of victory and instill confidence in everyone around him.