Re: Brad
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Posted by Rob Thompson (Broker - AB (ret'd)) from Toronto ON Canada on April 22, 2021 at 01:42:23:
In Reply to: Re: Brad posted by Jules Deschenes on April 21, 2021 at 13:16:08:
Having read the previous posts re: Monty - Hero or Goat - I have to agree with Jules.
This is based on reading military history, studying military history to a degree and having access
to some really interesting documents prior to declassification. You've all been pointing out that Monty
did choose the fight at Falaise, it was forced upon him. I'd like to add a couple
of things to this discussion.
The first centers around personalities. On scene interviews with the people who served with them all
confirm that Patton & Montgomery had a definite & distinct personality conflict. It was made the worse because it
turned out that Patton was by far the better tactician and strategist. This isn't just a US
opinion, but one voiced by Brooks-Alexander and Mountbatten. Monty wasn't part of Overlord planning
and Patton was (Bradley ran plans by him) because Patton, despite his temper - had a grasp of
what had to be accomplished.
That said, Montgomery when given his task for Normandy - pushed to expand
his role - he assured Eisenhower & Brooks-Alexander he could beat the timetable to Caen and be
there in 10 days. He got there in 34 and ground up the Canadian Division in order to do
that - against all advice from higher headquarters. If you were to discuss this with some of the veterans who
were part of that battle - when Monty's name is mentioned - they will spit in disgust.
Montgomery, like MacArthur & Halsley are over-rated WWII commanders who were great spin-doctors. They presided over
disasters and made people think they were tremendous victories. The real heroes were the troops on the ground, moving
forward one foot at time, sometimes because of their orders, other times, despite their orders.
Finally, yes, we're all entitled to opinions - but let's remember, opinions are like arseholes - everyone has one
and none are better than the other.
Keep going Jules- I'll vote for you!Ready, Aye, Ready
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- Normandy Brad Sallows 13:55:49 4/22/99
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