Upon graduating from the prestigious military academy at Sandhurst in 1908, Montgomery knew that he wanted nothing but a military career.  Due to the rivalries among the European armies, more opportunities were available to Montgomery in the British Army then their would have been if Monty had been in the American army at the same time.  Unlike Patton and many of Montgomery’s fellow officers he had no private income to supplement his small officers salary.  Apparently, this had little affect on Montgomery; he was uninterested in the social affairs normal to an officer in peacetime.(2)   Montgomery was interested in the conduct of war, and little else.
     Montgomery’s first assignment was to British-held India as an officer for a platoon of Indian soldiers.  Though potentially a tedious position he drilled the soldiers and in turn the Indians respected him more then most of his contemporaries.  Even at this time Montgomery began to exert his influence.  When a quartermaster left for Britain, Montgomery applied for and received the position, even though he was much to junior for the position.  Perhaps telling of future events is a simple soccer match.  When the crew of a German ship landed where Montgomery was stationed he organized, as was custom, a game between the two militaries.  Though his team was superior to the German sailors and Montgomery was advised to field his second string, he refused.  Eventually the British won by a score of 40-0 and Montgomery explained, “I was not taking any risks with the Germans.”(3)From Montgomery The Field Marshal

    During World War One, Montgomery’s battalion fought in the battle of the Somme.  Appalled at the way the battle was fought, Montgomery could not believe the lack of reconnaissance, covering fire, or plan of attack.(4)   Eventually, Montgomery was shot in an attack and barely survived the war.  Montgomery was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for conspicuous gallantry.  After recovering from his wounds Montgomery served on a brigade staff and his experiences there would forever affect the treatment of his men.  While on the staff Montgomery believed that the officers thought the front-line soldiers were there for the benefit of the staff and not the other way around.  After the war Montgomery continued to rise in the ranks eventually taking over the eighth army in the North African Desert in World War II.
 
 

1.  Gelb, Norman  Ike and Monty Generals at War.  New York:  William Morrow and Co. 1994 pg 46
2.  Gelb 45
3.  Gelb 46
4.  Gelb 47