Jan. 16, 1965 - Sir Winston Churchill, felled by a stroke early yesterday in his 91st year, lay near death today in his London home. His doctors reported him to be “slipping into deeper sleep and not conscious of pain or discomfort.”
Outside his Hyde Park Gate home, crowds which had waited throughout the day were dispersed by police late last night. They were told that no more bulletins would be issued until noon today (7 a.m. New York time).
The last medical bulletin yesterday, the second of the day, read: “There has been little change in Sir Winston’s condition during the day. He is slipping into deeper sleep and is not conscious or pain or discomfort.”
It was signed “Moran” — Lord Moran (pictured), 82, Churchill’s personal physician for many years and his close friend. Asked if he were hopeful, the doctor replied: “Oh no, I am not.”
During the day, members of his family gathered around him. Lady Churchill, 79, his beloved wife “Clemmie” for 57 years, was joined at the bedside by their daughter, Mary, and Mary’s husband, Christopher Soames, at about 1 p.m. When they left, Mary relied to questions with a speechless gesture of sorrow.
Churchill’s only son, Randolph, arrived just after 8 p.m. As he left later, supported by his own son, Winston, he was white-faced and repeated: “My God, my God.”
Churchill’s actress daughter Sarah, 50, flew from Rome to her father’s bedside. She was seen off at Rome airport by Lobo Nocho, Negro singer and actor from Philadelphia who has been her constant escort.
Britain’s Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, visited Sir Winston’s home last night. Queen Elizabeth II kept in touch with the situation. In the United States and on the Continent, there were expressions of concern and affection.
It was understood that Churchill, Britain’s great wartime prime minister, will not be moved to a hospital. A nursing staff will tend him at his home.

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