BERNARD LAW MONTGOMERY(1887 - 1976) British Field Marshall who commenced the drive at El Alamein that ultimately drove Rommel from North Africa. Also involved in the invasions of Sicily and France. Rare war-date A.L.S. "B. L. Montgomery" on "Headquarters 21 Army Group" letterhead, 1p. 4to., [London], Apr. 16, 1944. During the final planning for Operation Overlord (the attack on Normandy), in which Montgomery would initially command all ground forces, the general writes to his friend and comrade-in-arms Gen. Philip Henry Mitchiner, a medical officer then at Headquarters of Britain's Northern Command. In part: "...I was delighted to hear from you again, and it was kind of you to send me your good wishes. I hope I may see you some time...". Fine, with soiled holograph transmittal envelope.