CHURCHILL, Winston S. Beating the Invader. A message from the Prime Minister. [together with] If The Invader Comes.

London: Issued by the Ministry of Information in co-operation with the War Office and the Ministry of Home Security, 1940-41

Churchill's Stirring Calls to Resistance: Beating the Invader and If the Invader Comes. First editions of these two pivotal leaflets, distributed to British households during the Second World War's darkest hours. These powerful pronouncements from Winston Churchill, Prime Minister during this critical period, aimed to prepare the civilian population for a potential German invasion and instill a spirit of unwavering resistance.

• Beating the Invader: Issued in May 1941, this leaflet (These were printed and distributed nationwide) urged citizens to "STAND FIRM" in the face of attack and, where fighting was not immediate, to "CARRY ON" with their daily lives. Churchill's message emphasized the importance of resilience and maintaining normalcy amidst the threat of invasion. While the large print run might suggest commonality, surprisingly few copies have survived, making this a sought-after piece of wartime ephemera (Cohen).
  
  
• If the Invader Comes: This earlier leaflet, distributed in June 1940 following the Dunkirk evacuations and the fall of France, addressed the very real fear of imminent invasion.  Its primary aim was to prevent panic and the chaotic flight of civilians that had hampered military efforts in Holland and Belgium.  Churchill's government implored citizens to remain calm, avoid spreading or believing rumors, and follow official instructions.  The leaflet detailed practical steps such as disabling vehicles, hiding fuel, and establishing resistance systems in workplaces.  Its concluding message, "Think always of your country before you think of yourself," encapsulated the spirit of selflessness and national unity that Churchill sought to inspire.  This leaflet, a tangible reminder of Britain's perilous position in 1940, is a poignant historical document.

Together, these two leaflets represent a powerful testament to Churchill's leadership and the unwavering resolve of the British people during the Second World War.  They are rare and significant artifacts of a nation facing its greatest challenge. Two quarto single-sheet flyers (280 x 210 mm) beautifully framed by Kings Court Galleries, London