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In Monty's Footsteps

In Monty's Footsteps

Written by: British Normandy Memorial
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“To me, Monty was simply ‘Grandfather’. To many though he was a national hero.”



Henry Montgomery, grandson of Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, prepares for a 4,000-mile journey across Britain and Normandy uncovering dozens of Second World War stories.



In April and May 1944, with the detailed planning for Operation Overlord completed, General Montgomery, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Ground Forces, affectionately known as ‘Monty’, set about travelling the length and breadth of Britain. He met the troops, watched training exercises and visited factories. The purpose was to raise morale not just in the armed forces but in the country as a whole.



Inspired by his grandfather's journey, recorded in a series of diary entries, Henry embarks on a mission of his own. He uncovers and shares stories of men and women who contributed in so many different ways to the national collective effort to free Europe from tyranny.



‘In Monty’s Footsteps’ will raise funds to support the Memorial’s growing education programme, a cornerstone of the charity’s ongoing work. With developments in immersive technology and storytelling to engage the next generation, the focus is on helping young people understand not just what happened then, but why it matters today.



Six episodes published weekly from 1st May to 5th June 2026 will feature some of Henry's encounters.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British Normandy Memorial Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Bonus Episode: Ken's Story

    Bonus Episode: Ken's Story
    Jun 5 2026

    Ken Hay MBE, Normandy Veteran and British Normandy Memorial Ambassador, tells his extraordinary story, from joining up and serving alongside his brother to landing in Normandy and becoming a Prisoner of War.



    His powerful, honest testimony encapsulates the reality of what him and many others experienced during the Second World War. In the name of remembrance, this is a must-listen for us all.



    This bonus episode is in memory of all those servicemen and women who never made it home.



    For information about the British Normandy Memorial: https://www.britishnormandymemorial.org/monty/



    To donate to the education programme ‘Operation Remembrance’: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/monty



    ‘In Monty’s Footsteps’ is produced by Snappin Turtle for the British Normandy Memorial.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Remembering The Normandy Fallen

    Remembering The Normandy Fallen
    Jun 4 2026

    How are the men who fell on D-Day and during the Normandy Campaign remembered now? Henry travels to Normandy to delve into the subject of remembrance. Against the backdrop of the British Normandy Memorial in the village of Ver-sur-Mer, overlooking Gold Beach, his guests include Normandy Veteran Ken Hay MBE, who remembers his 'mentor', Private Circus of the Dorsetshire Regiment. He also learns about how Private Hanks' family uncovered the story of what happened to him, and discovers how letters from the frontline give us a window into the daily life of the men remembered on the columns of the Memorial.



    This episode is supported by Brittany Ferries.



    For information about the British Normandy Memorial: https://www.britishnormandymemorial.org/monty/



    To donate to the education programme ‘Operation Remembrance’: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/monty



    ‘In Monty’s Footsteps’ is produced by Snappin Turtle for the British Normandy Memorial.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • The Final Countdown to D-Day

    The Final Countdown to D-Day
    May 28 2026

    In the final days and weeks before D-Day, Monty's HQ moved to Southwick, near Portsmouth, and he writes about this in his diary. So Henry travels there, where he visits Fort Southwick, under which a secret network of tunnels was created during the Second World War. With exclusive access to this private site, he meets We Have Ways of Making You Talk presenter and historian James Holland to discuss what happened there and the final moments before 6th June 1944. Henry continues his exploration of Southwick at a farmhouse where Mary and Patricia, lifelong friends who grew up there, reflect on the events of 82 years ago. And finally, he learns what it was like for those who saw the men leave with many never to return - former Wren Betty Withers cooked for the servicemen who were preparing for the Landings and was based on Hayling Island. She even shares the time she secretly spotted Monty!



    For information about the British Normandy Memorial and to donate to the education programme ‘Operation Remembrance’ go to britishnormandymemorial.org/monty



    ‘In Monty’s Footsteps’ is produced by Snappin Turtle for the British Normandy Memorial.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
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