Churchill delivered the speech at Harrow School on 29 October 1941, returning to his former school during the Second World War. Looking back over the previous ten months, he contrasted Britain’s vulnerable position in 1940 with its improved military circumstances in late 1941. He nevertheless cautioned against judging events by appearances and argued that endurance was required in both sudden crises and prolonged struggles.

The speech is best remembered for Churchill’s repeated instruction to “never give in”, qualified by his statement that yielding may be justified by convictions of honour and good sense. He connected this principle with Britain’s refusal to surrender when it had appeared isolated and militarily threatened. Addressing the pupils directly, Churchill presented perseverance, courage and participation in public life as lessons from the wartime experience. He concluded by describing the period not as “darker days” but as “sterner days” in which individuals had responsibilities appropriate to their circumstances.