“LEADERSHIP IS BASED ON TRUTH AND CHARACTER. A LEADER MUST HIMSELF BE THE SERVANT OF TRUTH, AND HE MUST MAKE THAT TRUTH THE FOCUS OF A COMMON PURPOSE.” NATO Bernard Law Montgomery: Unbeatable and unbearable all text photos, copyright Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery was one of the most prominent and successful British commanders of the Second World War (1939-45). Known as ‘Monty’, he notably commanded the Allies against General Erwin Rommel in North Africa, and in the invasions of Italy and Normandy. Early career Bernard Law Montgomery Early in the First World War (1914-18), he was shot through the lung by a sniper during the First Battle of Ypres (1914). His wound was so severe that a grave was prepared for him. However, he went on to make a full recovery.