Was Montgomery as overrated as the Americans liked to think, or just unlucky?
123everton Sun 31/08/08 19:39
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Question Author
I tend to agree with you, but he was'nt a lucky commander by any stretch of the imagination.
During "Overlord" British and Canadian troops faced SS and regular Wehrmacht troops whereas the American faced a more mixed bag (some SS and regulars) with far more reservists, he defeated Rommel (twice) and during "Market Garden" it was only because an SS unit was being reorganised that Arnhem did'nt fall to us.
Any dissenters?......
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He was definately overrated, as an example, look at Alamein, if it wasn't for General Auchineck holding the Gemans at the first battle, and his defensive preparations, Montgomery wouldn't have won the second battle,
Churchill only replaced Auchinleck, (who was arguably our best general), because he wouldn't attack when Chuchill wanted him to.
And how about Market Garden, In retrospect, he was in well over his head.
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Question Author
The biggest problem with "Market Garden" was the sheer bad luck that a Panzer battalion were in Arnhem being refitted.
It was 90% successful, and the column did'nt advance when it could've, due to lack of infantry support, the Germans would never have done that they always reinforced success, indeed in the invasion of Belgium Guderian often advanced without infantry.
I feel perhaps Auchenleck was overlooked especially when if memory serves he disposessed (spelt that right?) of his troops for the campaign in Salonika wh could of pushed the Italians out.
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definitely overrated, but unlucky not to win the us open on one occasion
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Stubborn , impatient ,egotistical. Didn`t like waiting in the wings while Patton was storming towards the Rhine, so came up with Market Garden. Poor planning poor intelligence cost them dearly. General staff were warned that an ss panzer division was in the vicinity of the Arnhem bridge but they decided that they weren t much of a threat. The Polish parachute regiment for one would beg to differ. there is no such thing as being 90% successful, you win or you loose, Montgomery lost.
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Question Author
The relief column waiting for the armour to catch up did'nt help, admittedly someone like Guderian would have pressed on regardless, all Generals are egotistical none more so than U.S General Mark Clark.
He did beat Rommel twice, not a bad achievement in itself.
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Question Author
Armour, infantry one or the other I've had a long day....
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