Field Marshal Bernard ‘Monty’ Montgomery was the most famous British General of the Second World War. He was both a charismatic and popular figure amongst his soldiers.

He is believed to have said of his famous beret, ‘My hat is worth three divisions. The men see it in the distance. They say, “There’s Monty”, and then they will fight anybody.’

He conducted his campaign in North West Europe from three caravans. One was an office, one a bedroom and the final one his map room.

These mobile headquarters weren't an affectation. They allowed Montgomery to be close to the frontline, sometimes only a few miles away from the battle. But they also gave him peace and quiet if he needed to focus.

Monty's first caravan wasn't bought new. It's original owner was General Annibale 'Electric Whiskers' Bergonzoli, commander of the Italian 23rd Corps. After Bergonzoli was captured in February 1941, Monty claimed his caravan as a symbol of victory.

When Montgomery assumed command the caravan became his home, until he came across a second, at the end of the North African Campaign in May 1943. He converted his new caravan into a bedroom and his original caravan became his office.

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Monty’s new bedroom was also a spoil of war. And it was also taken from an Italian.

It originally belonged to Field-Marshal Giovanni Messe. Messe was commander of the 1st Italian Army during the final stages of the North African campaign in May 1943. It was claimed that before Messe the caravan belonged to Rommel.

During his campaigns in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, Monty found that two caravans were one too few. He wanted more space.

A 'Map Caravan' was required, to co-ordinate his operations in the field. And unlike the previous two caravans, he didn't fancy waiting to claim another in battle.

Monty's final caravan was presented to him on 17 April 1944, seven weeks before D-Day. It became the nerve centre of Montgomery's Tactical Headquarters in North-West Europe from June 1944 until May 1945.

All three caravans were bequeathed to IWM on Montgomery's death in 1976. You can see them for yourself at IWM Duxford.

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