Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein
- Born:
- 17 November 1887, Kennington, London, England
- Died:
- 24 March 1976, Alton, Hampshire, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Field Marshal, British Army
Early Life and Education
- Fourth child of Henry Montgomery, an Anglican clergyman, and Maud Farrar.
- Educated at St Paul's School, London.
- Attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, graduating in 1907.
Career and Major Achievements
- Commissioned into the 1st Battalion, The Royal Warwickshire Regiment in 1908.
- Served in World War I, being seriously wounded in 1914.
- Held various command and staff positions in the inter-war period, including service in Palestine and Egypt.
- Commander of the British Eighth Army in North Africa from August 1942, leading them to victory at the Second Battle of El Alamein.
- Led the Eighth Army in the invasion of Sicily and Italy.
- Commander of the 21st Army Group in Northwest Europe from 1944, playing a key role in the D-Day landings and the subsequent campaign.
- Accepted the German surrender on Lüneburg Heath in May 1945.
- Chief of the Imperial General Staff (CIGS) from 1946 to 1948.
- Chairman of the Western Union Commanders-in-Chief Committee from 1948 to 1951.
- Deputy Supreme Commander of NATO forces in Europe from 1951 to 1958.
Notable Works
While many biographies exist about Montgomery, understanding his significance requires careful reading and a critical approach. Many researchers consider that some of the "line monty biography books" offer differing views of his personality and performance.
- Memoirs (1958)
- The Path to Leadership (1961)
- A History of Warfare (1968)
Legacy and Impact
Field Marshal Montgomery remains a controversial figure, both admired for his military leadership and criticized for his personality and perceived egotism. He is remembered as one of Britain's most successful military commanders of the 20th century, particularly for his role in North Africa and Northwest Europe during World War II. His focus on meticulous planning and the well-being of his troops contributed significantly to Allied victories.