Field-Marshal Montgomery's HQ, Zonhoven

On 9 September 1944 Zonhoven was liberated by the Allies, and from 12 November to 7 February 1945 Montgomery made his HQ here in the home of the local physician, Dr Armand Peeters. It was called Villa Magda and shows a bronze plaque just inside the railings at the entrance which commemorates the Field-Marshal's stay and the fact that his cocker-spaniel named Rommel, died here. The animal had been Monty's faithful companion from Normandy to Holland but had been run over on 18th December 1944 and was buried in the garden. The white headstone marking the grave has been stolen. General Eisenhower and other senior allied officers visited here and the area was protected by tanks and armoured cars. Every Sunday a large car transported an altar into the church hall and Monty, with his entourage, attended a service in the makeshift Anglican Church

Anglican Armand Buried Commemorates Companion Eisenhower Entourage Fact Failed Faithful Field-marshal Headstone Liberated Magda Makeshift Marking Montgomerys Monty Peeters Plaque Protected Railings Stay Stolen Transported

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