On 16th July 1947 Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, arrived in New Zealand to confer with the Government on defence matters. Lord Montgomery was one of the most decorated military leaders of World War Two, and was famous for his victory at the Battle of El Alamein. At the time of his visit to New Zealand, he was Britain’s Chief of the Imperial General Staff.

Lord Montgomery toured the country, receiving a hero’s welcome everywhere he went. The photograph above was taken in Wellington on 17th July 1947. The Old Government Buildings are visible in the background, as well as some of the thousands of Wellingtonians who turned out to see Lord Montgomery (nicknamed ‘Monty’ and ‘The Spartan General’). Public servants in central Wellington were granted an hour’s leave so they could witness the Field Marshal’s drive from Government House to the Cenotaph, where he laid a wreath.

The photograph was taken by J D Pascoe and is included in a Department of Internal Affairs file detailing the arrangements for Lord Montgomery’s visit. The large file also includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, luggage labels used on the tour, itineraries, and a poem dedicated to Lord Montgomery, titled ‘Welcome to New Zealand’. The poem, sent to Internal Affairs by a member of the public, ends:

‘Your faith; sublime endeavour, Won the praise of all mankind, May your spirit live forever, And United Nations bind’

For footage of Lord Montgomery’s tour of New Zealand, see Weekly Review No. 311: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPQjL_Um_Do

Reference: ACGO 8333 IA1 2973 / 152/578 (R19967303)

archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=19967303

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