Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Related Content
Topic
  • People-Places-Things--British
  • Theater of Operations--European
Document Type
  • Primary Source Document
Wars & Conflicts
  • World War II 1939-1945
File Formats
  • Image (gif, jpg, tiff)
Location of Archival Materials
  • NHHC-Archives

Letter from Admiral Harold Stark to Prime Minister Winston Churchill, May 8, 1945


Letter from Admiral Harold Stark to Winston Churchill, May 8, 1945

Commander

U.S. Naval Forces in Europe

20 Grosvenor Square

London, W.1.

8 May 1945

 

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

I imagine I am just one of the many - I think it not exaggeration to say "one of many millions" - today whose thoughts are focusing on you as being responsible more than any living human being for the happiness and humble gratitude for the events of these last few days, culminating in the good news now out - that once again sound of gunfire is no longer heard in Europe.

I realize the enormity of the tasks lying ahead, and the sobering influence thought of these tasks brings to so many of us. But that stops neither our rejoicing with you, in whom hope for this day has so much centered, nor our feeling of thankfulness to you for all you have wrought.

I know the relief and the great joy you must feel in finishing some of your heavy burdens -- and pray God for your guidance and success in fashioning events yet to come, looking toward "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men".

My very best and deepest personal wishes, and in which I know all our Navy here would join.

Sincerely,

*We will all celebrate with you in spirit on your fifth anniversary as Prime Minister. What a glorious page it will be in the history of old England.

 

The Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill, C.H., M.P.,

10 Downing Street

Whitehall, S.W.1.

 

 

Published: Thu Aug 27 13:35:11 EDT 2020