

He was also a talented general who was able to think outside the box. As a result, he was able to achieve rapid advances through aggressive tactics. He was seen as a soldier’s soldier, and was well respected by those under his command. Despite his controversy, he was popular with his men. During the Sicilian campaign, he slapped two of his subordinates who were suffering from PTSD and ordered them both back to the frontlines.Ĭriticism from home was harsh, and Patton was relieved of duty for 11 months before Eisenhower decided that Patton’s drive and attitude would be needed in the campaign in Europe. Without a doubt, George Patton was one of the most controversial figures of the Second World War. Patton General George Patton, via Bettmann/Getty Images, via Operation Market Garden was a pre-emptive attack on German positions in the Netherlands in September, 1944, and was a complete failure.Ģ. Montgomery decided to ditch his usual defensive posture and try to take more risks. Towards the end of the war, the Allied commanders were increasingly impressed by generals who were relentless in their advance and attacks. His rivalry with Patton, who had the favor of Eisenhower, was the cause of the only time Montgomery abandoned his signature style. Not even Churchill could persuade Montgomery to attack if he didn’t want to. His style was steadfast, and his attitude was stubborn. Montgomery’s slow and methodical approach to warfare resulted from his experiences in the First World War where he had seen so many soldiers’ lives being wasted by poor planning and rash decisions. In this, he was the complete opposite of the American general George Patton. “Monty,” or “The Spartan General,” as he was known, was a cautious leader, driven primarily by concern for the lives of his men. Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, via Britannicaīorn in 1887, Bernard Law Montgomery was a British general who served in the First World War and the Irish War of Independence before rising in prominence to become one of the most talented generals of World War II.
