A new Band of Brothers series

[Hagar]

I haven't read anything about this for some time but the mutual dislike between Patton & Monty is well known in this country. It could almost be described as hatred. This might be seen differently in the US & I have to admit to a slightly biased view. This petty rivalry had been going on since the Sicily campaign. I found an article on the subject entitled "The cost of Monty and Patton

[dcunning30]

[quote]This petty rivalry had been going on since the Sicily campaign. I found an article on the subject entitled "The cost of Monty and Patton

[dcunning30]

BTW, if you're interested in the Battle off Samar, the book, "Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" is an excellent read.


Here's come cool pics:

http://www.bosamar.com/combat/combat0.html

[Hagar]

I agree, and personally, I'm not impressed by either.

I think there was a lot of political influence from different quarters behind the appointment of both. I always had a great deal of respect for General Eisenhower who must have had a hard time keeping them in check. You mentioned that he threatened Monty with the sack & I believe he also did the same with Patton. I read that Monty didn't think much of Ike's capabilities as a general due to lack of experience in the field but he repected him for his organisational skills which were more important in his position as Supreme Allied Commander. They apparently got on very well considering Monty's prickly nature.

As for Monty's reputation of caring for his men, he might well have done & he undoubtedly inspired the 'Desert Rats' in North Africa who are still loyal to him today. This didn't stop him being completely ruthless with their lives at times & if I recall correctly my father-in-law & his colleagues didn't have the same affection or trust for him. Unfortunately it's to late too ask him to confirm than now as he passed away some years ago. The man they did trust was their immediate commander, Lieutenant General Brian Horrocks. http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/cgi-bin/uk/1118.html
Father-in-law was very impressed with Edward Fox's portrayal of him in the film "A Bridge too Far" & said he had captured his character perfectly. He also looked very much like him.

PS. Thanks for the link.

[dcunning30]

Yea, Ike did threaten to sack Patton after the slapping incident.  But Patton was so well liked in the press and public opinion back in the states, Ike just dressed him down and left him cooling his heals commanding a pretend army on June 6th.

[dcunning30]

The battle off Samar was truly and epic event.