Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery summary

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Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery, (born Nov. 17, 1887, London, Eng.—died March 24, 1976, near Alton, Hampshire), British general in World War II. Educated at Sandhurst, he distinguished himself in World War I and remained in the army, becoming known as a tough and efficient leader. In World War II he commanded the British army in the North Africa Campaign and forced the German retreat from Egypt after the Battle of El Alamein (1942). He commanded troops in the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy (1943) and in the Normandy Campaign, leading the British-Canadian army group across northern France and into northern Germany. Promoted to field marshal, he became chief of the imperial staff (1946–48) and later deputy commander of NATO (1951–58). A cautious, thorough strategist, “Monty” often exasperated fellow Allied commanders, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, but his insistence on complete readiness ensured his popularity with his troops.

army Summary

Army, a large organized armed force trained for war, especially on land. The term may be applied to a large unit organized for independent action, or it may be applied to a nation’s or ruler’s complete military organization for land warfare. Throughout history, the character and organization of

Normandy Invasion Summary

Normandy Invasion, during World War II, the Allied invasion of western Europe, which was launched on June 6, 1944 (the most celebrated D-Day of the war), with the simultaneous landing of U.S., British, and Canadian forces on five separate beachheads in Normandy, France. By the end of August 1944

North Africa campaigns Summary

North Africa campaigns, (1940–43), in World War II, series of battles for control of North Africa. At stake was control of the Suez Canal, a vital lifeline for Britain’s colonial empire, and of the valuable oil reserves of the Middle East. After the invasion of Ethiopia by Italian troops in October

World War II Summary

World War II, conflict that involved virtually every part of the world during the years 1939–45. The principal belligerents were the Axis powers—Germany, Italy, and Japan—and the Allies—France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and, to a lesser extent, China. The war was in many