>From Martin Gilbert, Official Biography Vol 8, 1348 (1963): Among Montague Browne's tasks at this time was to attend a specially constituted Government Committee, code-named 'Hope Not', to plan for Churchill's State Funeral. The Committee was chaired by the Duke of Norfolk. 'WSC knew I was attending meetings of the "Hope Not" Committee,' Montague Browne later recalled, 'but only once commented. He said "Remember, I would like lots of military bands at my funeral." He got nine!' For those who may not know much of "AMB," Sir Martin's following paragraphs are revealing....
It was to Montague Browne that Churchill owed much of the calm that now surrounded him. It was a relationship which, from afar, many people envied. Churchill's daughter Mary later spoke of it in understanding tone: 'People might have thought they would have liked to be in Anthony's shoes. But the day came when my father, although much beloved and venerable, was past his wonderful prime, was declining in energy and ability. He still wanted to take his part in affairs, but he needed help. He needed a wise friend, and a knowledgeable one, who would guard his reputation, who would guard every step he took.' 'Long after it was really fun to serve my father,' Mary Soames added, 'Anthony remained to bear the burden of the day, to be his friend and support throughout his sadder, declining years.' 'And now,' she recalled, 'in these last two years, the pace of life for Winston was very slow: it was like a broad, weary river, gently meandering on. Sometimes he seemed quite content: even though he might not say very much, one knew he was glad one was there. But sometimes he withdrew a great distance from us - and who knows what thoughts or images moved across the screen of his consciousness from the long saga of his life, so crowded with events and people?' -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ChurchillChat" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/churchillchat?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
