How did Eisenhower clean up Montgomery, who was above the Allies?

1In September, 944, the operation market garden initiated by Montgomery failed, and the airborne troops suffered unprecedented losses. Eisenhower, as commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces, made a profound introspection. He thinks that since Montgomery's plan has been approved, he should bear all the responsibilities, not pass the buck.

In fact, everyone knows the failure of this operation. Montgomery went his own way and was reckless, and should bear the main responsibility. But he has no intention of self-criticism. What's more, he blamed the failure on others. At the same time, he showed less and less respect for Eisenhower, and it was time to rectify the "military discipline".

Behind Montgomery's arrogance, Churchill's support is indispensable

To understand this problem, I'm afraid we should start with the US military's participation in the war. Britain, which has always insisted on confronting Germany in Europe, spent the most difficult period under the leadership of Churchill, which is inseparable from the support of the United States. In Churchill's view, the rise of Britain is inseparable from the support of the United States, but he also does not want the United States to dominate the political situation in Europe.

First of all, the victory of El Alamein really made Britain feel the "boss", and Montgomery also won the highest honor in his military career and became a hero familiar to the British. What makes Churchill happier is that their "values" are the same, that is, to build a powerful "British Empire".

Secondly, the best way to keep the position of "boss" is to suppress the limelight of the US military. In the battles of attacking Tunisia, Sicily and Italy, the British army assumed a "battle-hardened" posture, regarded the new American army as a "supporting role" and made the greatest contribution on its own. But in fact, all this needs strength as a guarantee.

Americans are well aware of the British "subtotal", but they are not explicit because of their feelings. However, Barton, who regards "honor as life", has no mercy and "strives for merit" with Montgomery everywhere, and the status of the US military has been recognized all over the world. American high-level officials also realized that they should gradually get rid of the British and become the "boss" of the Allies. The differences between Britain and the United States are growing.

Especially during the Normandy campaign, Montgomery often "opposed Eisenhower" and demanded more troops and supplies. Finally, on an appeal, Eisenhower personally took over the command of the allied ground forces. This made Churchill see the "danger" and promoted Montgomery to marshal, continuing the "dogfight".

Eisenhower, as commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces, maintained internal unity everywhere and often made concessions to Montgomery and Churchill's "step by step". Montgomery hung the title of marshal and even ignored the orders of the allies. The allied generals were so disgusted with this that even the British themselves felt that he was too arrogant.

Eisenhower became more and more impatient with Montgomery's "excessive" demands.

With the continuous advance of the allied forces, Eisenhower moved his headquarters to Versailles and held the largest military work conference since the landing. Twenty-three generals from all over the world attended, but only Montgomery did not attend. He arrogantly thinks that he is a marshal, and his rank is not equal, so he wants to be above the Allied Command.

There is also a layer of meaning that because of his bullying, he has long been dissatisfied with the allied generals and has a strong hostility towards him. His remarks were not recognized by everyone, and no one even supported him. It's better not to go to such an embarrassing scene.

Not attending the meeting did not affect his comments on the plans made by the allied forces, especially his "pointing fingers" at Eisenhower and not taking the commander-in-chief of the allied forces seriously at all. It's too much. I have repeatedly asked to give myself the command of the ground troops. Eisenhower finally couldn't stand it anymore and decided to "return the favor."

Operation market garden's fiasco, Montgomery not only didn't know his mistake, but also blamed all the responsibilities on the uncooperative of other brothers, especially accused the US military of lacking the spirit of cooperation, and once again demanded to master the command of allied ground forces. Eisenhower immediately informed him that the post adjustment was decided by the Allied Joint Chiefs of Staff.

For Eisenhower's "car-scrapping", Montgomery is very aware of his situation. Once reported, the Allied Joint Chiefs of Staff could not replace Eisenhower, and he would completely lose command. Marshal finally put down his arrogant airs and said that he obeyed Eisenhower's orders.

But it didn't last long. Only two months later, Montgomery's "old habit" was committed again, denying Eisenhower's battle plan and once again proposing that he should command the allied ground forces. Soon, a telegram from the allied headquarters was placed in front of him. He was dumbfounded, hurriedly apologized, and once again expressed his loyalty to Eisenhower.

Of course, Marshall, Roosevelt and others all know that Montgomery is backed by Churchill. In order to thoroughly combat the arrogance of the British, Eisenhower was promoted to a five-star general, on an equal footing with Montgomery. This time, Montgomery is no longer so proud and has less friction with the US military.

Montgomery was eager to make achievements, but Barton refused to give him a chance.

The allies were caught off guard by the German counterattack in Ardennes. In response to the crisis, the American troops north of the breakthrough point were placed under Montgomery's command, and he was re-appointed as commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces. But for Eisenhower, it was an embarrassing thing, because as soon as he took over the allied ground forces, he was attacked by the Germans.

Thanks to the timely help of his good friend Barton, he led his troops to attack Bastogne and stabilized his position, which provided strong support for the Allies to stabilize their position and gradually turn the situation around. It seems that I still need the help of my friends at the critical moment. Barton didn't care about personal gains and losses at the critical moment, and Eisenhower was deeply moved.

After the Battle of Ardennes, Eisenhower took over the command of the allied ground forces, and the troops originally belonging to the US Army were gradually rebuilt. The indomitable Montgomery sent his chief of staff to discuss with Eisenhower how to break through the Rhine. Eisenhower finally understood that the British were worried about stealing their breakthrough in the Rhine.

He is very angry at the idea that the British only care about themselves and ignore the overall situation. He told the other side very contemptuously that the US military would not fight for the honor of "empty head and empty brain" with the lives of soldiers. Finally, after the decision of the supreme commanders of the two countries, the British army took the lead in crossing the Rhine.

Eisenhower had to obey orders, but Barton had his own opinion. There is no question of giving or not giving in front of honor, let alone Montgomery, whom he hates. So,1late at night on March 22nd, 945, Barton's 5th Division broke through Montgomery's boasted "Rhine Graben".

Although Eisenhower was dissatisfied with Barton's unauthorized action, he was sincerely happy at the thought that Churchill congratulated Montgomery on winning the battle of crossing the Rhine on the 24th, a whole day later than Barton and made an international joke. With Barton around, no one can compete with the Americans.

Montgomery's approach is understandable, of course, but blindly putting on airs and being arrogant is not only "petty", but also often becomes the laughing stock of everyone because of failure.

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References: World War II, the whole history of World War II, Eisenhower.

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