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Subject:
RE:Best underachieving commanders in history - British Lion Reply
S-2
4/8/2006 3:55:06 PM
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"...however good Monty was (or wasn't) he could never be called an underachiever..."
In point of fact, he can be called exactly that. Both Operations Epsom and Goodwood were notable failures by most recollections. Equally, the failure to seize Caen on June 6 is nearly inexplicable. His inability to push XXX Corps through to Arnhem is a flat-out failure of command. Finally, his consistent insubordination through the summer and fall/winter of 1944 constitute a significant breach in the responsibilities to which a senior commander of his stature should have instinctively adhered.
I've indicated my respect for Montgomery's considerable powers of organization and training. Those talents certainly transformed 8th Army in North Africa, and later, 21st Army Group in Europe into truly modern, professional forces of considerable power and skill. Not unlike George McClellan's particular talents, as evident with his meticulous preparation of the U.S. Army of the Potomac. Both commanders ultimately lacked the intuition and nuanced operational acumen to translate these superb forces into dynamic battlefield catalysts. On four occasions, at least- at the Mareth Line in N. Africa, at Caen on June 6, during Epsom, and Arnhem, Montgomery was unable to seize the objective in timely fashion. Had Montgomery pursued Rommel more ruthlessly, it's extremely debatable whether the German Army would have been able to entrench itself effectively at the Mareth Line. Had Caen been seized on June 6, as intended, German defenses in Normandy would have been IMMEDIATELY unhinged, rendering future operations Epsom and Goodwood moot. Finally, what part of Operation Market Garden wasn't his responsibility, ultimately? It was his plan to design, propose, and implement. Given his head, he failed miserably.
Like I said, never has so little been accomplished with so much. THAT's underachievement. |
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