David Irving Diary 2022 - Second Half

This source covers David Irving's personal diary entries from approximately July through December 2022, documenting his daily life, work on Churchill's War Volume III, and various personal and professional challenges.

Overview

The second half of 2022 was marked by Irving's intense focus on completing Churchill's War Volume III while facing mounting financial pressures. The period was disrupted by what Irving termed the "Swedish archive controversy" involving Carl Lundström and associates who allegedly mishandled his archived materials.

Key Locations

• Cambridge Gardens London - Irving's primary residence and workspace
• St Augustine Florida - Base of operations managed by Kathy for US book distribution
• Slough Storage - Storage facility where controversy over archived materials occurred

Major Themes

Literary Work

Irving spent considerable time reconstructing and editing Churchill's War Volume III after Adobe software problems caused significant text loss. He made important discoveries about British involvement in the July 20, 1944 plot against Hitler.

Financial Struggles

Persistent cash flow problems, with Irving frequently checking US bank balances and worrying about rent payments. Inflation and reduced book sales created ongoing pressure.

Swedish Archive Controversy

A major disruption involving Carl Lundström, Fredrik Bermar, and associates who allegedly removed materials from Irving's storage unit without proper authorization, including expensive equipment and private family items.

Health Concerns

Irving experienced balance problems, underwent MRI scans, and dealt with age-related health issues while maintaining his writing schedule.

Best Quotes

1. "The archive is my lifework, and they have treated it like junk mail" (2022-05-25)

2. "I have slowly come to the conclusion that Germany is controlled in depth by the United States, and we know what that means" (2022-05-08)

3. "We British should have accepted Hitler's offer in 1939; the whole world would now be a better place" (2022-06-03)

4. "Each of the original microfilms cost many hundreds of pounds to make. The 'office equipment' which you took and destroyed, cost thousands of pounds" (2022-05-24)

5. "The discovery of proof in the UK and US archives that the British were behind the failed Attentat of July 20 has greatly impressed me" (2022-07-03)

6. "I am working hard on the final volume of Churchill and on Himmler part 2" (2022-06-15)

7. "The problem in Europe is I have found that the best publishers have been bought or silenced or pressured by the US Government and CIA" (2022-06-15)

8. "Churchill was an alcoholic like most of his family, and people like that do not need much to get incapable" (2022-07-01)

9. "I conclude that Winston Churchill and Anthony Eden had developed a pattern of killing or failing to kill unwanted state leaders" (2022-07-03)

10. "Perhaps that's what wins a 'world war' – and loses an empire" (2022-07-03)

People Mentioned

Family

• Paloma Irving - Daughter, frequent visitor and helper
• Jessica Irving - Daughter, working in public health
• Beatrice Irving - Daughter in Australia, working on transcription projects
• Bente - Close companion, frequent meetings at Sloane Square

Business Associates

• Kathy - US distributor based in St Augustine, Florida
• Carl Lundström - Swedish archivist involved in storage controversy
• Fredrik Bermar - Associate of Lundström
• Julia - Housekeeper
• Paloma - Gas repair technician

Historical Research Contacts

• Robert Mountford - Research associate
• Piper McGowan - Working on Ritchie Boys project
• Michele Renouf - Event organizer

Significant Events

• May 2022: Adobe software crisis causes major loss of Churchill Volume III text
• May 26, 2022: Vauxhall speaking engagement, first public appearance in years
• May-June 2022: Swedish archive controversy unfolds
• June 2022: Platinum Jubilee celebrations
• July 2022: Ongoing financial pressures and rent concerns

Research Value

This period provides valuable insight into:

• The practical challenges of independent historical research and publishing
• Irving's research methods and discoveries regarding British wartime operations
• The personal cost of maintaining controversial historical positions
• Day-to-day life of a historian working outside mainstream academia

Related Documents

• Storage unit inventories and correspondence with Swedish associates
• Medical records from MRI scans and dental work
• Financial records and bank statements
• Correspondence with publishers and distributors