Bernard Montgomery

Bernard Montgomery (1887-1976), British general of World War II. Born in London on November 17, 1887, Montgomery spent his childhood in Tasmania and was later educated at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. In 1908 he was commissioned into the army. Decorated in 1914 after being seriously wounded while leading a bayonet charge, he served as a staff officer for the remainder of World War I. By 1939, Montgomery commanded a division. Skilful handling of his troops in France in 1940 brought further promotion. In August 1942 he was put in command of the 8th Army, which was defending Egypt against German and Italian invasion. He won a decisive victory over the Afrika Korps of Erwin Rommel at El ’Alamein (October 23–November 4, 1942), forcing the enemy to retreat from Egypt and Libya. The 8th Army then played a major part in the conquest of Tunisia and the subsequent invasions of Sicily and Italy in 1943.

In December 1943 Montgomery was recalled to assist in planning the Normandy invasion. Crucially he insisted on broadening the landing area, and increasing the size of the landing force. After D-Day (June 6, 1944) Montgomery commanded all allied forces in Normandy. Although strong German resistance prevented the campaign from developing as he had anticipated, a breakout was eventually achieved in July, resulting in the swift expulsion of the enemy from virtually all of France and Belgium. From September 1, 1944 the Allied forces in north-western Europe came under American command. Montgomery was promoted to field marshal but, after the failure of his ambitious attempt to seize the Rhine crossing at Arnhem in the Netherlands, he played a reduced role in formulating allied strategy.

He was created Viscount Montgomery of Alamein in 1946, and held a succession of important military appointments until his retirement in 1958. He died on March 25, 1976. Montgomery was adored by his staff and by the public, but was unable to maintain a harmonious relationship with his American allies. Even his qualities as a general have been questioned since the war. However, after El ’Alamein he became a vital symbol of Britain’s will and ability to win, as his careful planning brought a succession of victories to his armies.