The Memoirs of Field Marshal Montgomery

Field Marshal Montgomery's memoir, first published in 1958, presents his account of a military career spanning from his early service as a regimental officer in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment to his later roles as a staff officer. He joined the Warwickshires due to financial constraints and served in India before distinguishing himself through courage and tactical skill during the First World War. Despite a tactless and uncompromising manner, Montgomery's career advanced between the wars. His command abilities became evident during the retreat to Dunkirk, and he went on to lead the North African Campaign and subsequent battles in North West Europe. In these memoirs, Montgomery presents his perspective on these major campaigns and documents significant disagreements with Eisenhower and other senior figures regarding strategy and conduct. Montgomery's later career proved disappointing and frustrating, as his temperament proved unsuited to the political environment of Whitehall and NATO.