“Monty” Promoted to Field-Marshal

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 208, 2 September 1944, Page 5

“Monty” Promoted to Field-Marshal

(British Official Wireless.) Received Friday, 7.40 p.m. RUGBY, Aug. 51. The War Office announces that General Sir Bernard L. Montgomery, late of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, has been promoted Field-Marshal, supernumerary to establishment, as from September 1, 1944. Commenting on the changes in tho High Command in France and FieldMarshal Montgomery’s status, the Times, in a leader, says: “This change will be recognised in Britain as desirable in the circumstances. The American army group is larger and American public opinion quite intelligibly has been pressing for the change. The German retreat from the Lower Seine is a fitting moment to bring the new machinery into operation. “Field-Marshal Montgomery has been, and is recognised throughout the world, the prime author of the plan which has resulted in the defeat of the German group in the north and brought about their present withdrawal under pressure. His part in the campaign will always be remembered in military history as a masterpiece of planning, performance and timing.” The Daily Mail, in a leader, says: “We, of course, accept General Eisenhower’s explanation of what happened, and our hearts are warmed by the tribute he paid to Montgomery as ‘one of the greatest soldiers of this or any other war.’ Nevertheless, there is bound to be disappointment in this country at the knowledge that Montgomery is no longer to be the man in full command of the operations in Northern France and those which will be so quickly following them into Germany. Bradley, Patton and other American generals have proved themselves very great leaders, but we must not be misunderstood if we place Montgomery in a very special category. He proved his military genius in Tunisia and confirmed it in Normandy.”