Who Was He: Russian revolutionary Marxist and founder of the Red Army. Career Highlights: Was closely involved in the October Revolution of 1917, becoming Peoples Commissar for Foreign Affairs. Was also instrumental in the Bolsheviks victory in the Russian Civil War of 1918-20. Was Vladimir Lenins preferred successor as Chairman of the Communist Party, but was forced from power by Joseph Stalin and sent into exile. Context of Last Words: Trotsky spent the last few months of his life in Mexico, having moved from country to country to avoid Stalins agents. On August 20th 1940 an agent broke into his home and stabbed him in the head with an ice axe. His death was immortalised in the song No More Heroes by The Stranglers: Whatever happened to Leon Trotsky/ He got an ice pick, that made his ears burn. Last Words: I feel here that this time they have succeeded.
Freelance copywriter, film buff, community radio presenter. Former host of The Movie Hour podcast (http://www.lionheartradio.com/ and click 'Interviews'), currently presenting on Phonic FM in Exeter (http://www.phonic.fm/). Other loves include theatre, music and test cricket.
