TLS signed “Montgomery of Alamein F. M.,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, personal letterhead, May 30, 1951. Letter declining an invitation to a D-Day service. In full: “I am sorry I cannot attend your service at the D-Day Stone on June 6th but I am attending the annual D-Day Celebrations across the Channel in Normandy. I shall therefore be with you in spirit and will not forget that the great Armada was largely launched from Portsmouth. May the effort, comradeship and sacrifice which made the great enterprise possible, be carried on into these troubled days to help the cause of peace.” In fine condition, with punch and staple hole to top left and a few light creases.
Six years earlier, Montgomery had been given responsibility for planning the D-Day invasion in Normandy, and was in command of all Allied ground forces during Operation Overlord from the initial landings until after the Battle of Normandy. As identified here, Portsmouth was the headquarters and main departure point for “the great Armada”—those military and naval units destined for Sword Beach on the Normandy coast. His presence was understandably desired at each and every tribute to those men who sacrificed all to liberate the world from Nazi tyranny, including their historic point of departure. Yet it was Normandy where Montgomery knew he must be, which he did in 1951, attending ceremonies along with Dwight D. Eisenhower in commemoration of the D-Day invasion. All the while, however, the British officer remained elsewhere “in spirit” as others paused to remember “the effort, comradeship and sacrifice which made the great enterprise possible.” A touching and historically important piece of correspondence pertaining to one of the Allies’ most successful campaigns of World War II. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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