Nevada Appeal at 150: April 5, 1955: Churchill resigns as Prime Minister of Great Britain

Churchill resigns as Prime Minister of Great Britain

London, April 5 — Sir Winston Churchill, the “Grand Old Man of Empire,” officially resigned as prime minister of Great Britain today.

Tears glistened in his eyes as he presented his resignation to the queen. Sir Anthony Eden will be his successor.

Churchill, who battled and defeated every enemy save the relentless passage of time, presented his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

The venerable statesman drove alone from his official residence at No. 10 Downing Street to the palace in the sunshine of a bright spring day. Cheering thousands applauded him in the streets.

Then he went home to Downing Street and stood for a time, mute, his fingers raised in the “V” for Victory sign and tears standing bright in his eyes, while from Buckingham Palace the announcement came officially that he had quit.

This continues the Appeal’s review of news stories and headlines during its Sesquicentennial year.