City MP who prosecuted Nazis at Nuremberg trials

SIR David Maxwell Fyfe (1900-67), later Earl of Kilmuir, was a leading Tory politician and lawyer who had strong links with Liverpool, where he was MP for West Derby.

- Stephen Guy

He is perhaps best remembered today as one of the prosecutors at the Nuremberg trials, when leading Nazis were tried for war crimes after the Second World War.

David had a glittering political career, holding the offices of Solicitor General, Attorney General, Home Secretary and Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain.

Despite the demands on his time, he was an assiduous MP who continued with his constituency duties while meeting state responsibilities.

About 25 letters and telegrams to well-known Liverpool politician Raymond Craine reveal David's close interest in the city. The correspondence is in the archives of the West Derby Society.

Several relate to Nuremberg - the high-profile proceedings were avidly followed worldwide as former members of the German high command stood trial for their lives.