Dominic Sandbrook argues that Winston Churchill was the primary culprit behind the Gallipoli campaign and remained stubbornly committed to the failed operation despite evidence of its futility.

“And Churchill is definitely the primary culprit. Even Andrew Roberts in his biography says, you know, he's the scapegoat in chief, but he deserves to be the scapegoat in chief. It's not just that it's his idea originally. I mean, people often come up with ideas that don't work in politics or in war.”

Tom Holland observes that Churchill's decision at Mers el-Kébir showed that the British were prepared to be brutal in their fight for survival.

“that decision is a reflection of the fact that the British are prepared to be incredibly brutal themselves in in their fight for survival.”

Winston Churchill demonstrated significant physical and moral courage throughout his life and career.

“so he really was um showing tremendous physical courage but that is Winston Churchill you see this is the great thing he he showed as much physical courage as he had shown moral courage throughout his career”