The Day Eisenhower Finally Told Montgomery to "Shut Up or Get Out"

December 30, 1944: A single document, rather than German tanks, caused the Allied command structure to reach its lowest point. In a letter to Eisenhower, Field Marshal Montgomery effectively reduced the Supreme Commander to a political figurehead by requesting complete operational authority of all field forces. It was the worst kind of insult. In order to salvage the alliance, British staff officers had to intervene desperately. This film describes the dramatic 24 hours when Eisenhower, pushed to the brink, prepared a telegram to the Combined Chiefs of Staff to have Montgomery sacked. Sources: Stephen Ambrose — "The Supreme Commander: The War Years of General Dwight D. Eisenhower" (Doubleday, 1970) Nigel Hamilton — "Monty: The Field Marshal 1944-1976" (Hamish Hamilton, 1986) Forrest C. Pogue — "The Supreme Command" (U.S. Army Center of Military History) Image Credits: Eisenhower in his command trailer courtesy National Archives Montgomery in a staff meeting courtesy Imperial War Museum