British Army officer (1887–1976) who commanded the Allied forces at the Battle of Alamein during World War II and later commanded the ground forces during Operation Overlord. TLS signed “Montgomery of Alamein, Field-Marshal,” two pages, 7.75 x 10.25, Deputy Supreme Commander letterhead, November 15, 1951. Montgomery writes to an unnamed headmaster. In part: “I am writing to you for advice on what you consider is the correct relationship between the Headmaster of a school and the Bursar. I am a Governor of several schools. At one of them, St. John’s, Leatherhead, I am Chairman of the Governors. At this school there is divided control; the headmaster is directly responsible to the Governors for the matters on his side of the school; and the Bursar is directly responsible for the maintenance of the school, upkeep of the buildings, and administrative affairs generally. This is apt to make things difficult…. This does not seem to be right; in fact to me, as a soldier, it is utterly wrong. I hold the view that the Headmaster is the Captain of the ship and is responsible for everything at the school; he has to bring about a co-ordinated and unified approach to every problem at the school itself. I consider that the Bursar is ‘under command….” A hint of mild soiling, intersecting mailing folds (lightly touching signature), and small tape remnants and paperclip impressions to top edges of pages, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
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