A few years ago I read Bradley’s book “A General’s Life”. He portrays Montgomery as being some type of lunatic during the later parts of 1944. At the time I thought that this was just another example of American chauvinism. However, I recently finished reading Terry Copp’s book “Cinderella Army”, which pretty much confirms what Bradley had written.
Much of Terry Coop’s book deals with the opening of the Channel ports and the port of Antwerp. Montgomery comes across as a glory hound who was trying to win the war all by himself. Eisenhower had stated that the priory was to be the opening of the ports, especially the opening of Antwerp. Montgomery instead of helping the Canadians, appeared to be doing everything in his power to delay or block the Canadians from opening Antwerp.
Why would he be doing this? Eisenhower and the other American commanders wanted to advance on a broad front with all three Army Groups. Under this plan Montgomery’s role would be diminished. He would be only one of three army group commanders. Montgomery however, wanted to be the star performer. He wanted to advance on a narrow front towards the Ruhr, with the two American Army Groups playing only minor roles. The shortage of supplies favoured Montgomery’s plan. But, with Antwerp open, there would no longer be a shortage of supplies and all three Army Groups could push on into Germany.
No Canadians were invited to the opening ceremonies when the first ship arrived in Antwerp. I think this was because Montgomery was POed at the Canadians for getting the port open and undermining Montgomery’s plans for personnel glory.
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