Stupid GI Tricks

[Raellus]

Originally Posted by Sanjuro

Without wanting to build up Montgomery's reputation (and acknowledging his appalling lack of diplomacy when dealing with the US) the thing I find easiest to understand is his caution. In common with most British Generals of WW2, he had fought in WW1 as a junior officer, and had seen how easily an entire army could be destroyed by poor command decisions. Indeed, he often showed a level of regard for the soldiers under his command which even modern generals could learn from.

Monty was a cautious and capable commander. His one foray into daring resulted in the "bridge too far" debacle. His reputation suffered because he often promised much more than he could deliver (D-Day/Normandy) and he was not shy about taking more than his fair share of credit for victories in which he played a supporting role (the relief/counterattack phases of the Battle of the Bulge). He also constantly demanded more from Ike- more authority, more divisions, more fuel, more operational freedom, etc.- despite his overall lack of success in Europe.

I believe that he did genuinely care about his men but he also cared far too deeply for his own reputation and legacy and, somewhat ironically, this is what has damaged it.

At the risk of getting flamed here, I think Monty is somewhat overrated. But then again, I think Patton and Rommel are a bit overrated as well.