For Britons, WW II Wasn't Necessarily 'Finest Hour'

All nations have their historical touchstones, to which they return in times of crisis for reassurance and inspiration. For the United States and France, there are the revolutionary moments of 1776 and 1789. The British, for the past 75 years, have retreated to the memory of World War II whenever their national way of life is threatened. The Covid-19 crisis has been no exception. Matt Hancock, the health secretary, recently enjoined modern Britons to emulate their grandparents’ steadfastness during the Blitz of 1940-41. “Despite the pounding every night, the rationing, the loss of life,” he said, “they pulled together in one gigantic national effort.”