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Lot #412
Montgomery of Alamein

Impatient over a delay: “It reminds me of certain moments during Hitler’s war.... My task was to ‘hold the situation’ and prevent any further slipping”

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Description

Impatient over a delay: “It reminds me of certain moments during Hitler’s war.... My task was to ‘hold the situation’ and prevent any further slipping”

ALS, one page both sides, 8 x 10, personal Field Marshal letterhead, December 5, 1965. Montgomery writes to “Alan” regarding preparation of a book, probably Montgomery’s 1968 History of Warfare. In part: “I accept a postponement for Chapter 7, if you consider it necessary. It has made things difficult for me in my very busy life. But what must be, must be. We are working to a carefully worked out schedule. It reminds me of a certain moments during Hitler’s war. When things began to go astray, my task was to ‘hold the situation’ and prevent any further slipping—helped by my staff. That is what I must do now—helped by you, my Chief of Staff…. In fact, we must stick to the agreed time table and no human considerations must weigh when its interests are involved. I hope you both now realise that the idea that you should shut up shop and go off to Switzerland for 10 days was a first class nonsense!!” A few minor wrinkles, ink underlining to one sentence, and mailing fold touching signature, otherwise fine, clean condition. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #327 - Ended November 14, 2007