Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery’s Shoulder Strap and Field Marshal’s Insignia Worn by Him During World War II

Acquired by us from the recipient, these have never before been offered for sale

An extraordinary memento of the war from one of its most prominent leaders

Allied uniform elements almost never reach the market, these being true rarities

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Bernard Law Montgomery, known as ""Monty,"" was the most prominent British field marshal during World War II. His most notable achievements include commanding the British Eighth Army at the pivotal Battle of El Alamein in 1942, which marked a significant turning point in the North African campaign. Montgomery remained an influential figure in military history, earning the title of Field Marshal Lord Montgomery of Alamein in 1946. He published several works on military strategy and leadership before retiring from public life in 1968.

In August 1942, Montgomery was named as the new commander of the British Eighth Army. After he assumed command, he continued preparations for what promised to be a decisive battle with Erwin Rommel’’s famed Africa Corps. The Battle of El Alamein, which began on October 23, was the type of set-piece engagement at which Montgomery excelled. His victory there represented the crowning achievement of his military career and shattered the mythical invincibility of the German army. With his “Desert Rats” in pursuit of the “Desert Fox,” the world was soon to become familiar with the Montgomery image. Locked inside his small wiry frame was a reservoir of energy and an abundance of self-confidence. After the North African theater was cleared in May, 1943, Montgomery led his forces in the invasion of Sicily (July, 1943) and later in the invasion of Italy (September, 1943). During the course of the Italian campaign, he was recalled to England to assist in the planning of the Normandy invasion, over which he was given tactical command. He commanded all Allied ground forces during the initial phase of the Battle of Normandy (Operation Overlord) from June 6 to September 1, 1944. Then, after Dwight D. Eisenhower was named Supreme Allied Commander, Montgomery led the 21st Army Group and implemented a strategy of drawing German armored forces toward the British/Canadian sector at Caen, enabling the U.S. breakout in the west. Montgomery continued to command the 21st Army Group through the rest of the campaign in North West Europe. When the war in Europe came to an end, Montgomery was placed in charge of the British zone of occupation in Germany, a post he held until February, 1946, when he succeeded General Alan Brooke as chief of the Imperial General Staff.

Autograph letter signed, on his letterhead, Hampshire, March 1968, sending the shoulder strap and insignia he wore on his uniform during World War II. “This shoulder strap with the insignia of a Field Marshal, is from a uniform worn by me in Europe on certain ceremonial occasions after my promotion to the rank of Field Marshall on 1st September 1944, and as Commander-in-Chief of the ground forces under SHAEF [Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force]. The actual uniform was also worn by me on certain occasions during my command of the Eighth Army, but did not then carry the insignia of a Field Marshal but of a General.” It is signed “Montgomery of Alamein, F.M.” The shoulder strap and colorful insignia are included.

An extraordinary memento of World War II from one of its most prominent leaders. We’ve never had anything like it before.