Airey Neave

Airey Middleton Sheffield Neave (23 January 1916 – 30 March 1979) was a British soldier, barrister, and politician. He is best known for his daring escape from Colditz Castle during World War II and his subsequent political career, which ended with his assassination in 1979.

Early Life and Education

Airey Neave was born in Knightsbridge, London, into a prominent family. He was educated at Eton College and later attended Merton College, Oxford, where he studied jurisprudence. Neave was called to the bar in 1939, shortly before the outbreak of World War II.

Military Career

During World War II, Neave served as an officer in the British Army. He was captured by German forces in 1940 and became a prisoner of war. Neave was held at the infamous Colditz Castle, known for housing Allied officers who had repeatedly attempted to escape from other camps.

In 1942, Neave became the first British officer to successfully escape from Colditz. He made his way across Germany and into neutral Switzerland, eventually returning to England. His escape was celebrated and he was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery.

Political Career

After the war, Neave entered politics as a member of the Conservative Party. He was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abingdon in 1953, a position he held until his death.

Neave was a staunch supporter of Margaret Thatcher and played a key role in her successful bid to become the leader of the Conservative Party in 1975. He was appointed as the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, where he advocated for a strong stance against IRA terrorism.

Assassination

On 30 March 1979, Airey Neave was assassinated by a car bomb planted by the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) in the car park of the Palace of Westminster. His death was a significant blow to the Conservative Party and to Margaret Thatcher personally, as he was one of her closest allies.

Legacy

Airey Neave is remembered for his courage during the war and his dedication to public service. His life and career have been the subject of numerous books and documentaries.

Also see

• Colditz Castle
• Margaret Thatcher
• Irish National Liberation Army
• Conservative Party (UK)
• World War II