The only signed copy of "A History of Warfare", of
which Field Marshal Montgomery is the author, was
recently autographed by him and presented to the South
African National War Museum. He refused all other
requests to autograph the book of which 50,000 copies were
printed. He inscribed the following message on the flyleaf:
"In memory of the South African Forces which fought
under my command at Alamein and for whom I developed
a high regard. From the author, Montgomery of Alamein,
F.M."
This monumental work is yet another example of Field Marshal Montgomery's dynamic personality and brilliant knowledge of war. It is a book which will be read by military personnel, historians and students of war throughout the world for many decades to come.
Field Marshal Montgomery has always extended a warm hand of friendship to South Africa and in particular to those South Africans who served under him. He has enjoyed several visits to our country and only advancing years now prevent him from coming as often as he would wish.
We thank him for his gesture and wish him many years of good health.
A portrait of Field-Marshal Viscount Montgomery, KG,GCB,DSO,
painted by one of South Africa's Official War Artists, Neville Lewis,
in December 1942. The portrait is hung in the S.A. National War Museum.
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