Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery (1887-1976) was one of Britain's top commnaders in the Second World War (1939-45). He famously defeated Erwin Rommel (1891-1944) at the Second Battle of El Alamein in North Africa in November 1942. Known for his cautious thoroughness and eccentric uniform, the national hero was also involved in the invasion of Italy, the Normandy landings, and the race to the Rhine.
More about: Bernard MontgomeryDefinition
Timeline
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17 Nov 1887Bernard Montgomery is born in south London.
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1889Bernard Montgomery's family move to Tasmania.
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1908Bernard Montgomery graduates from the Sandhurst military academy and serves in India
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1915Bernard Montgomery is awarded the DSO during WWI.
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1926Bernard Montgomery becomes an instructor at Camberley, the British Army staff college.
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1927Bernard Montgomery marries Betty Carver.
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1928Bernard Montgomery's son David is born.
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1938Bernard Montgomery serves in Palestine.
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Aug 1939Bernard Montgomery is appointed the commander of the British 3rd Division.
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1940Bernard Montgomery commands the 2nd Corps, part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France.
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Aug 1942Bernard Montgomery is given command of the British Eight Army in North Africa.
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Oct 1942 - Nov 1942The Second Battle of El Alamein in North Africa between Allied forces led by Bernard Montgomery and Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
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Oct 1942 - Nov 1942The Allies led by Bernard Montgomery win the Second Battle of El Alamein against Axis forces led by Erwin Rommel.
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Nov 1942 - May 1943The Tunisia Campaign, where the Allies definitively defeat the Axis forces in North Africa.
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6 Mar 1943Bernard Montgomery wins the Battle of Medenine in North Africa.
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13 May 1943Axis forces in North Africa surrender to the Allies.
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Jul 1943Bernard Montgomery commands the British 8th Army during the invasion of Sicily.
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Jun 1944Bernard Montgomery is in command of all ground forces for D-Day.
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1 Sep 1944Bernard Montgomery is promoted to field marshal.
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17 Sep 1944Bernard Montgomery masterminds the unsuccessful Operation Marketgarden.
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May 1945Filed Marshal Montgomery is appointed the commander of the British Army of Occupation in Germany.
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1946 - 1948Bernard Montgomery serves as Chief of the Imperial General Staff.
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Jan 1946Bernard Montgomery receives a life peerage, his chosen title is Viscount Montgomery of Alamein.
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1958Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery publishes his controversial Memoirs.
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25 Mar 1976Bernard Montgomery dies in Hampshire, England.
