Celia Sandys' Churchill: Wanted Dead or Alive

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One does not reach a certain plateau in life simply by coincidence. One does not have the backbone for greatness by never striving for something out of the ordinary. One does not experience adventure without being willing to play his adventurous part. One does not gain without risk. Winston Churchill, the politician, member of the House of Commons, and Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II, had incredible ambition, courage, and confidence in his early life. In the Anglo-Boer War, he risked, and he was rewarded, wrote and became well known, was social and made acquaintances, and led others and gained trust. Chruchill wanted to make an impact on others—and succeeded in impacting the world.

Celia Sandys, the author of the book “Churchill: Wanted Dead or Alive,” is the granddaughter of Winston Churchill. This book gives both the tedious details of Winston Churchill’s involvement in the Anglo-Boer War and clear insights into this man’s character and resolve. In 1899, England, a colonial power, was interested in maintaining its dominating status in South Africa and was met in opposition by the local Dutch Boers. Churchill arrived in South Africa as a war correspondent, only there officially to observe the events, publish articles, and not participate in combat. He had been a soldier previously with Britain, and he had a passion to be close to the action—a feeling that would be fulfilled fairly early in South Africa and later when he became an officer. Churchill states, “War service was the swift road to promotion and advancement. It was the glittering gateway to distinction” (Sandys 1). The details of the war in the book provide views of Churchill’s personality and show positive trait...

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... endeavors. The Anglo-Boer War was one of the experiences that shaped Churchill before he was ready to be a world leader. He made a name for himself by attempting to live the circumstances of his life to the fullest. He observed and gained knowledge—and he was respected. He risked and achieved—and he was admired. A leader is dynamic if he can be respected and admired. Winston Churchill achieved this.

Works Cited

Sandys, Celia. Churchill: Wanted Dead or Alive. New York: Carroll and Graf, 1999.

Churchill, Winston S., M.P. “Churchill as War Leader: Lessons for the Future.” Address to the International Churchill Society. The Churchill Center. Online. Nov. 7., 2002. www.winstonchurchill.org

#5 Relate to Entrepreneurship (leadership traits—32, note about page 180)

#4 World War II (p.28)

#6 Define success—was Churchill successful?

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