– Expert Talks –
We’re gearing up for the UK release of the film Pressure in cinemas on September 9, 2026 starring Damian Lewis as British Army Marshall Bernard Law Montgomery!
Join a panel discussion for a deep dive into the life and legacy of Field Marshall Bernard Law Montgomery, with his grandson Henry Montgomery and biographer Gary Mead.
The event will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Imperial War Museum, London.
Britain’s most prominent Second World War commander, Montgomery became famous after his decisive victory with the 8th Army over Rommel at the Second Battle of El Alamein. ‘Monty’ commanded the Allied Ground Forces during Operation ‘Overlord’ and led the 21st Army Group as they invaded North Western Germany, ending the war with him personally accepting the unconditional surrender of Germany’s forces in North Western Europe on 4 May 1945.
Instantly recognisable with his double-badged beret, Montgomery was loved by the men he commanded, but was known for his difficulties in working with other Allied commanders. He had a rivalry with American General George Patton, and often clashed with both Eisenhower and Churchill, with the latter famously describing Montgomery as “In defeat, unbeatable; in victory, unbearable”.
Following the talks, book a ticket for a guided tour around IWM London’s Second World War Galleries, add your ticket during the booking the process.
Speaker – Henry Montgomery
Henry Montgomery is the grandson of Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery and the current 3rd Viscount Montgomery of Alamein. He has spent much of his career working in agriculture, latterly as a farm management consultant, and is actively involved in a number of heritage and remembrance organisations.
He is a Trustee of the Normandy Memorial Trust and President of the Spirit of Normandy Trust, and regularly travels to Normandy to commemorate the anniversary of the D‑Day landings alongside veterans and their families.
In 2026, he undertook an eight‑week, 4,000‑mile journey across Britain and Normandy titled In Monty’s Footsteps, retracing his grandfather’s movements in the lead-up to D‑Day. The project, which included a podcast and documentary series, explored the personal stories behind the campaign while raising funds to support educational work linked to the British Normandy Memorial.
Speaker – Gary Mead
Gary Mead is a historian and former journalist whose career has spanned both media and international affairs. He studied at the University of Newcastle before going on to write for publications including the New Statesman, Observer and Financial Times, and also worked with the BBC World Service and Granada Television.
Alongside his journalism, he has held roles in research and communications, including positions with the World Gold Council and in Washington, DC.
He is the author of several well-regarded works of military history, including The Doughboys and a biography of Douglas Haig, with his latest book, Montgomery: Unbeatable, Unbearable, published in 2026. His writing is known for being accessible, balanced, and grounded in thorough research, aimed at a broad readership.