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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Field Marshal Montgomery
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(Bernard Montgomery, 1887–1976, KCB 1942, viscount 1946) Considered by many the most inspirational British soldier of World War II. In August 1942 he was given command of the 8th army in north Africa. He rapidly invigorated troops demoralized by Rommel's successes, and prudently delayed his offensive until he had the advantage in numbers. A series of victories beginning with El *Alamein turned him into a national hero, popularly known as 'Monty' and famous for quirks such as his beret with twin badges. He achieved similar results in command of the ground forces on *D-day and through the early stages of the Normandy invasion. He was less successful as the campaign developed, finding it hard to play a subordinate role to the supreme commander, General Eisenhower.
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