Churchill's Bodyguard

by Tom Hickman

For fans of Darkest Hour and Dunkirk , discover the story of Walter H. Thompson, the man who saved Winston Churchill's life more than once.

Walter H. Thompson was Churchill's bodyguard from 1921 until 1945, brought back from retirement at the outbreak of war.

Tom Hickman's authorised biography draws heavily on extracts from a manuscript recently discovered by his great-niece, in which Thompson gives a unique insider's account of a number of occasions on which Churchill's life was put seriously at risk and his intervention was needed.

After the war, Thompson married one of Churchill's secretaries, and her recollections, as well as those of surviving family members, are interwoven to tell the revelatory inside story of life beside the Greatest Briton.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Tom Hickman has worked as features writer, features editor and editor on various national magazines, newspapers and for the BBC.

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book which if you want to see human side of Churchill rather than politician. Really liked examples if his honesty in these days of expenses scandals

[East Greenbush Community Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever see pictures of today's presidents surrounded by a phalanx of Secret Service guards? It wasn't always like that. Travel back to 1921-1945 to Walter H. Thompson who was Winston Churchill's SOLE body guard from dusk until dawn. Actually, it was more hours than that since Churchill was as renowned for his lack of sleep as for his love of brandy. Although he saved Churchill's life more than once, Thompson accidentally shot himself but survived to protect Churchill and himself against the animosity of Mrs. Churchill who went out of her way to be sure the man entrusted to protect her husband often was denied meals. Even after he left Churchill, Thompson maintained a link since he married one of the prime minister's secretaries.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several of the incidents related in this book are, of necessity, the same as in the other two books I've read about Walter Thompson. However, it was an interesting enough read, but I wish I'd read this first.

[Philip Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting account of his life with Churchill, and beyond. Learnt a lot of things that I hadn't realised had happened during the war.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intersting insight into Churchill from a different and valuable perspective revealing character of Churchill more than the bodyguard himself.

[David Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual and incredibly interesting insight to, and perspective on, the great Sir Winston Churchill through the 'eyes' of his Scotland Yard-assigned Detective Sergeant, Walter ("Tommy") Henry Thompson, his assigned police bodyguard from 1921 through 1945. Based on materials, photographs, memorabilia and manuscripts of Thompson's own collection and writings detailing his service, memories, observations and accounts, as well as other research and interviews conducted by the Author, Hickman. A thoroughly worthwhile read.

[PastAllReason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging biography of Churchill's bodyguard, Walter Thompson,based on his diaries recorded through the years of service. At the same time, the book is effectively also a biography of Churchill, and offers a more intimate view of Churchill during the war years. The relationship between Thompson and Churchill was interesting to read as Thompson protected the brilliant, sometimes mercurial and necessary leader during the war even when Churchill would willingly put himself in the way of danger.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, which was a page turner all the way through. This is because of little known facts about Churchill and his bodyguard.

I have the full set of the DVD collection too. It's so interesting hearing about Churchill and Walter Thompson's relationship. They became very close and their private antics are fascinating to learn about. I am an absolute fan of Walter Thompson who risked his life on many occasion to save Churchill.

[Peter Pecksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and insightful view into the day to day challenges of protecting the arguably, most important man in the world at the time. A great reminder that no matter what position people hold in the world, they still all human. If you are interested in Churchill this book is worth the time.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Churchill's bodyguard was my Uncle's father, we have grown up knowing about his exploits.

[Gsc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting anecdotes. But plodding at times.

[Jady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting