Why I Like "Monty"

[Jaeger]

Ever since I joined the army, I have always been thaught and lived by the sentence: "take care of your men". That is the first and last thing that needs to be adressed. If you do that, the lads will follow come hell or high water.

To me Monty embodied this thought. He would not use flesh to solve a problem. And later in the war it would have been impossible due to the manpower crisis.

The showmanship is a tool, like airpower or logistics. He remembered from the great war that he never saw the top brass. This led the Tommies to think that the Generals cared sod all about their men. The affection that 8th Army veterans have for Monty show that the tool worked.

Monty also went about his studies in a professional way. This led him to some important discoveries that was put in good use during the war.
Some notable examples is his concept of "balance", the intimate relationship between Air Force and Army, and the revolution in the use of Artillery.

He knew to pick his subordinates, so he could concentrate on the big picture.

If I had lived during the war I'd prefer to work under Monty, rather than somebody who did not worry about casualties.

And of course he was not brilliant in every field, but he was good where it counted. I rank him as no.1.

[4th wilts]

patton often called people naughty names,but i enjoy this one.monty is a little s.o.b.,but he is no f###ing fool,thats for sure.4th wilts

[Owen]

During the Phoney War of 1939/40 Monty issued his men in 3rd Div condoms .
He was told not too by the prudish 'higher-ups'.
He looked after his men.
Good bloke.

[PsyWar.Org]

Originally Posted by Owen D

During the Phoney War of 1939/40 Monty issued his men in 3rd Div condoms .
He was told not too by the prudish 'higher-ups'.
He looked after his men.
Good bloke.

Monty was very keen on PT and keeping his men fit and well-trained.

My grandfather (Sapper in the 225 Field Company RE) had the utmost respect for Monty. He briefly mentions him in his memoirs, re PT:

This was in March 1941, as well as the physical exercise, the Company was ordered by Monty to do night-training exercises, etc.

The 4th Division were part of the Army structure known as Southern Command, the GOC was General Montgomery, he was very keen on physical fitness and issued orders that every soldier had to compete in cross country runs every week and this included all officers. This order did not meet with the approval of a number of sappers in 225 [Fld Coy RE] and in consequence a number of NCOs had to be posted along the chosen route at check points, usually the route was on roads with good all round visibility to obviate short cuts being taken by the dissenters. A Company order issued was to the effect that the last 10 men completing the course would be put on “Spud Bashing”.

(c) T. J. Garrett RE

[Gotthard Heinrici]

Originally Posted by sapper

I am sometimes amazed at the convincing way some talk on here, having never heard a gun fired in anger?

Are you saying that we cant express our views because we havent seen action? If thats the case there'll be very few who will be posting then!!!

We are all entitled to our opinion you know.

Now having said that Monty was an excellent Commander of men and he was a brilliant motivator too. Just a pity about his interpersonal skills. But he wasnt hired to be popular. Not a bad Irishman

[sapper]

The Field companies Royal Engineers. Great lads..... I am not shouting down anyones views, just that sometimes they listen to the truth of what took place
sapper

[drgslyr]

Originally Posted by 51highland

I just love all the armchair Generals in the world.!!!!

By this I take it you mean that if a person wasn't there they do not have the right to an opinion. These forums are going to get mighty boring.

[sapper]

They have all the right in the world to say what they like. BUT.....not the Hollywood variety. For sadly, it is a fact that films since the war designed to make money on the USA circuit are now seen as "the real thing" When in fact much of it is complete rubbish.

But I am also aware, that the Veterans are never going to convince the younger generation brought up on the Hollywood Versions...
For it is manifestly obvious now, that when we old Vets depart. The "Hollywood Version" will reign supreme.
Sapper

[51highland]

Originally Posted by drgslyr

By this I take it you mean that if a person wasn't there they do not have the right to an opinion. These forums are going to get mighty boring.

Not at all, I just love all the various opinions, Hindsight is marvellous thing.