Welcome to the WWII Forums! Log in or Sign up to interact with the community.

Canadian soldiers and Monty?

Discussion in 'Information Requests' started by Kai-Petri, May 2, 2022.

  1. Kai-Petri

    Kai-Petri Kenraali

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2002
    Messages:
    26,461
    Likes Received:
    2,207
    Wonder if anybody has read the same or knows more about it? Or is it just one man´s view?

    Sergeant Leo Gariepy, of 6th Canadian Armoured Regiment, said they had no hero when they went to war. Monty looked like a college professor, and made a very poor impression when he said at our reviewing " Let them approach and see me". The Canucks did not go for that. And when he began his traditional hand-picking of some eight or then cigarettes to scatter in a throng of thousands of Canadians who had more cigarettes than they could smoke, the men were insulted. For us, Monty was a zero. The only unqualified, one hundred per cent success with the Canadian volunteer soldiers was a shy and self-effacing man. "He practically looked at each tank man individually. His visit made a very good impression on all troops. The Canadian soldiers were deeply proud of their King, and after that visit, we all felt that we were going to see it personally that he remained the reigning monarch of England."

    Caen-Anvil of victory by Alexander McKee
     
    Carronade likes this.
  2. Sheldrake

    Sheldrake Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2013
    Messages:
    1,773
    Likes Received:
    568
    Location:
    London UK
    McKee's Caen - Anvil of Victory was published in 1966. It was quite modern in its use of testimony.

    The Imperial War Museum holds two recordings of interviews with Sergeant Leonard Gariepy

    Between January and May 1944 Montgomery made hundreds of visits to units that would fight on D Day and afterwards. Monty placed great importance on the mental preparation for battle.
    Montgomery's stage managed briefings were not always well received. Some soldiers from the 50th Division booed. They resented being given the "privilege" of landing on D Day having felt they had done their bit already.
     
    Kai-Petri likes this.
  3. Kai-Petri

    Kai-Petri Kenraali

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2002
    Messages:
    26,461
    Likes Received:
    2,207
    Cheers,
    I guess as well you cannot "please" everyone when under immense pressure even how you try. . I remember Taylor Swift had a concert in Finland and had the wrong ice Hockey shirt on her and the audience booed. Bad recon, I guess.
     
  4. Sheldrake

    Sheldrake Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2013
    Messages:
    1,773
    Likes Received:
    568
    Location:
    London UK
    Not as bad as Montgomery. On one occasion he tried to make small talk with American soldiers and asked whether they were from the north or south of the US.

    I admire Montgomery for having a go at motivating as many of his soldiers in person. Few WW2 commanders would go to the lengths he would to talk to as many soldiers in person. It must have taken up a huge amount of his time.
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2022
    Domobran7 and Kai-Petri like this.

Share This Page