Who was Bernard Montgomery?

Bernard Montgomery, also known as “Monty”, was a British Army officer who served in both World War I and World War II. He is most famous for his role as the commander of the British Eighth Army in North Africa, where he led the Allies to victory at the Second Battle of El Alamein.

Interesting Facts about Bernard Montgomery:

1. Montgomery was born in 1887 in London, England and was educated at Sandhurst Military Academy.
2. He served in the British Army during World War I, where he was wounded multiple times and earned the Distinguished Service Order for bravery.
3. Montgomery was known for his strict discipline and attention to detail, often spending hours studying maps and battle plans before a major operation.
4. He was a proponent of “massive retaliation”, a strategy that involved launching large-scale attacks to overwhelm the enemy and prevent counterattacks.
5. Montgomery was a strong believer in the importance of morale and ensured that his troops were well-fed, rested, and equipped for battle.
6. He was a deeply religious man and would often read passages from the Bible to his troops before a battle.
7. Montgomery’s leadership at the Second Battle of El Alamein, which lasted from October to November 1942, is widely regarded as a turning point in the North African campaign.
8. He played a crucial role in the D-Day landings and was responsible for the liberation of Caen, a major city in Normandy, France.
9. After the war, Montgomery served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff and was later made a field marshal.
10. He died in 1976 at the age of 88 and was given a full military funeral.

Concluding Statement:

Bernard Montgomery was a skilled military leader whose attention to detail, discipline, and emphasis on morale helped secure Allied victories in some of the most pivotal battles of World War II. Though he was known for his stern demeanor and strict leadership style, he inspired his troops to achieve greatness and his legacy continues to inspire military leaders today. Montgomery’s contributions to the Allied war effort will never be forgotten, and his reputation as one of the most successful British commanders of the war remains firmly intact.

Bernard Montgomery is #3 of our Top 10 WWII Generals countdown.