Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, passed away at the age of 88 on March 24, 1976. A legendary British military commander, Montgomery was born in London in 1887, the fourth son of an Anglican bishop. After studying at St. Paul's School, he attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in 1908. By World War II, he had risen to the rank of Major General and was commanding the 3rd Infantry Division in France. After the fall of France, he was made Commander of the British 8th Army in Africa and won decisive victories at El Alamein and in the North African Campaign. By 1944, Montgomery had become Field Marshal and was commanding the Allied forces in North West Europe, including the successful D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy. After the war he served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff in 1945-1946. Montgomery was known for his blunt, direct style and was once quoted as saying "Never take counsel of your fears". He was later made a member of the Order of Merit and was awarded the Victoria Cross. His funeral was attended by many dignitaries, including the Queen, who described him as "an outstanding example of courage and selfless devotion to duty." He left a legacy of discipline, strategy and bravery that continues to inspire people today.