Clarifying Facts: The Battle of the Bulge and Misconceptions Surrounding General Montgomery's Orders

The Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest and most costly engagements of the Western Front during World War II, saw several key players, including Generals Montgomery and Patton, contributing to its outcome. A longstanding and oft-repeated claim is that Montgomery ordered British troops to turn their guns on American troops to stop an evacuation. However, this assertion has no basis in historical fact and is often exaggerated to the point of confusion.

The Myth and Reality

It is silly to state that General Montgomery ordered British troops to target American troops. This claim is both inaccurate and misleading. The Allies were strategically positioned in different sectors, and the idea of switching fire between friendly forces is nonsensical. In fact, the British Army itself had survived the harsh rains and freezing temperatures of the Ardennes Offensive with heavy casualties, struggling to maintain even their positions against the encroaching German forces.

The Context of the Battle

The Battle of the Bulge saw massive casualties and a significant number of American troops surrendering at Arnhem. The German offensive had severed the supply lines and communication routes, leading to disarray among the American troops. By December 20, 1944, many American units had already surrendered or were fleeing westward to escape the encirclement.

Montgomery's Role and Orders

General Sir Bernard Montgomery, known for his meticulous planning and direct communication with his troops, ordered US troops to hold the line at all costs. This was a critical maneuver as the front had begun to crumble. On the Elsenborn Ridge, British troops were strategically positioned to act as barrier forces, preventing further American retreats and ensuring the line held.

The exact nature of the agreement between Montgomery and senior US divisional commanders is unclear and not well-documented. It is speculated that the British troops were to be used as a last line of defense, ready to intervene if the American positions faltered. According to available accounts, it was the American commanding officers who suggested placing the British troops in the position for such a contingency.

Post-Battle Analysis and Theories

One popular theory is that if British troops were indeed ordered to open fire on retreating American troops, this information was deliberately not recorded in the minutes of the meetings. This would explain the lack of formal documentation. However, no such direct or aggressive orders from Montgomery to his troops have been substantiated with primary sources or verified accounts.

Sources and Credibility

The discrepancy in this narrative stems largely from the absence of concrete, documented evidence. Oral histories and anecdotal accounts, while valuable, do not provide the clarity and detail necessary to confirm or deny such an action. The most reliable sources come from official military records and direct communications, which have not indicated any such instruction.

In conclusion, the claim that General Montgomery ordered British troops to target American units in the Battle of the Bulge is a misconception. Historical evidence and the strategic needs of the situation make such a scenario highly unlikely, if not impossible, to have occurred.