The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Allied leaders
Bernard Montgomery (1887–1976): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 17 November 1887, London |
|---|---|
| Died | 24 March 1976, near Alton, Hampshire |
| Key commands | Eighth Army (August 1942); El Alamein (1942); accepted the German surrender at Lüneburg Heath (4 May 1945) |
| Documents bearing his name | Military letters and orders, signed photographs, post-war letters and books |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Bernard Montgomery won the battle of El Alamein in 1942 and accepted the surrender of German forces in north-west Germany on Lüneburg Heath in May 1945. He signed many letters, photographs and books, both during and after the war.
Who Was Bernard Montgomery?
Montgomery was born in London in 1887. Churchill gave him command of the Eighth Army in August 1942, and he won the battle of El Alamein that autumn. On 4 May 1945 he accepted the German surrender at Lüneburg Heath. In 1946 he was created Viscount Montgomery of Alamein.
What Documents Bear Montgomery’s Signature?
Wartime signatures appear on letters, orders and photographs; post-war signatures on letters and copies of his memoirs. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Separate wartime and post-war signatures.
- His signature form changed after his peerage in 1946.
- Signed photographs need comparison with authenticated exemplars.
Later Life
Montgomery died near Alton, Hampshire, in 1976.
Collector’s Note
After 1946 Montgomery signed as “Montgomery of Alamein”. A signature form can therefore help date a piece, a detail I always check.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did Montgomery win at El Alamein?
In 1942.
Where did Montgomery accept the German surrender?
At Lüneburg Heath, on 4 May 1945.
When did Montgomery become a viscount?
In 1946.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology.
References & Further Reading
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery.