Bernard Montgomery

Lore & Background

Montgomery was born in Kennington, Surrey, in 1887, the fourth of nine children to a Church of Ireland priest and his wife. He was educated at St Paul's School and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, from which he was almost expelled for rowdiness and violence. He was commissioned into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in 1908 and first saw overseas service in India. During the First World War, he was shot through the right lung by a sniper at Méteren in October 1914 and later took part in the Battles of Arras and Passchendaele, finishing the war as chief of staff of the 47th (2nd London) Division.

Reader's Guide

Montgomery's significance lies in his command roles during the Second World War, particularly as commander of the Eighth Army from August 1942 during the Western Desert campaign, and as commander of all Allied ground forces from D-Day until 1 September 1944. He later commanded the 21st Army Group through the North West Europe campaign, including the failed Operation Market Garden and the successful crossing of the Rhine in Operation Plunder. His acceptance of the German surrender in north-western Europe on 4 May 1945 marked a key moment in the war's end. After the war, he served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff and as NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. His legacy is that of a highly effective but controversial commander, noted for his meticulous planning and cautious approach.

Did You Know?

• Montgomery was shot through the right lung by a sniper during the First Battle of Ypres and was presumed dead, with a grave ordered to be dug, before being rescued.
• He was almost expelled from the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, for rowdiness and violence.
• Montgomery accepted the surrender of German forces in north-western Europe at Lüneburg Heath on 4 May 1945.
• His father, Henry Montgomery, was Bishop of Tasmania, and Bernard spent his formative years there.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery (17 November 1887 – 24 March 1976) was a senior British Army officer who served in the First World War, the Irish War of Independence and the Second World War." — Bernard Montgomery "The time has come to deal the enemy a terrific blow in Western Europe." — Bernard Montgomery "The blow will be struck by the combined sea, land and air forces of the Allies together constituting one great Allied team, under the supreme command of General Eisenhower." — Bernard Montgomery "On the eve of this great adventure I send my best wishes to every soldier in the Allied team." — Bernard Montgomery