Montgomery (Of Alamein), Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount

(born Nov. 17, 1887, London, Eng.—died March 24, 1976, near Alton, Hampshire) British general in World War II. Educated at Sandhurst, he distinguished himself in World War I and remained in the army, becoming known as a tough and efficient leader.

In World War II he commanded the British army in the North Africa Campaign and forced the German retreat from Egypt after the Battle of El Alamein (1942). He commanded troops in the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy (1943) and in the Normandy Campaign, leading the British-Canadian army group across northern France and into northern Germany. Promoted to field marshal, he became chief of the imperial staff (1946–48) and later deputy commander of NATO (1951–58). A cautious, thorough strategist, “Monty” often exasperated fellow Allied commanders, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, but his insistence on complete readiness ensured his popularity with his troops.