‘Even splendid victories and widening opportunities do not bring us together on strategy’

Abstract

On his return to England to prepare for the invasion of Normandy, Eisenhower became a regular visitor to Chequers, dining and watching films with Churchill and talking often until the small hours. For the British ground forces commander in northern Europe he wanted Alexander, but accepted Montgomery when Churchill insisted on keeping Alexander in Italy. By 1944 his relations with Churchill were such that he could disagree violently with the Prime Minister on issues of strategy without this affecting their personal friendship.