Margaret, Lady Rhondda inherited her father’s empire of mines, shipping and newspapers to become the foremost woman of business in the British Empire, sitting on 33 boards, and in 1926 becoming the first female president of the Institute of Directors. She threw herself, and her money, into a life of promoting women’s rights and equality. She is primarily remembered for her suffrage activities, and for her battle to allow women into the House of Lords.
Lt. Commander Frank A. De Vine Hunt was one of the Naval Staff Officers attached to Churchill’s famous War Rooms during World War II, rooms that had maps at every corner. He developed the idea of publishing a map showing Churchill’s travels during the war, and interested Lady Rhondda in the project. He wrote to Churchill for permission to publish such a map, and Churchill approved.
Typed letter signed, on his letterhead, London, April 18, 1946, to Hunt. “Thanks you for your letter of April 17. I have no objection at all to Lady Rhondda’s publishing a map of my journeys. I only wondered whether there would be sufficient public interest to justify the expense which she would incur, but if she is satisfied about that, and it is your desire and hers, I should be very glad indeed.”
The idea bore fruit, as Hunt’s “Dunkirk to Berlin. June 1940 – July 1945. A Map of the Historic Wartime Journeys undertaken by the Right Honourable Winston S. Churchill…in Defence of the British Commonwealth and Empire” was published. It shows Churchill’s trips to the United States and Canada, and to conferences such as Casablanca.
The period between 1940 and 1945 was marked by intense global conflict, with Winston Churchill at the helm of Britain's war efforts. Churchill's leadership was crucial in rallying the British people and forging key alliances with the United States and the Soviet Union. His numerous travels, often under hazardous conditions, were instrumental in coordinating military strategies, securing critical resources, and maintaining the morale of the Allied forces.
The map offers a visual record of Churchill's wartime travels, with routes meticulously charted across the globe. Each journey is color-coded to indicate the mode of travel, including sea, air, rail, and road. The map covers the period from the Allies evacuation at Dunkirk in 1940, through various strategic meetings and conferences, culminating in the Allied victory and the fall of Berlin in 1945.
The lower section of the map features vignettes of significant events and modes of transport, including depictions of notable ships and aircraft used by Churchill. These include the H.M.S. "Prince of Wales," H.M.S. "Duke of York," H.M.S. "Renown," H.M.S. "King George V," and the B.O.A.C. Flying Boat "Berwick," among others. Each vignette is accompanied by descriptive text detailing the context and significance of these journeys.
This map illustrates testament to Churchill's relentless dedication and strategic acumen during World War II. It provides a visual narrative of the crucial diplomatic and military efforts that shaped the outcome of the war. The detailed legend and accompanying text offer insights into the logistics and challenges of wartime travel, highlighting the coordination required for such extensive movements during a time of global conflict.