The Falaise Gap: Ike vs. Monty and a Failure of Command

My cousin was a Tech Sgt Tank Commander killed in that battle, now buried at the American Cemetery in Belgium

Monty was a pompous peacock. So was Patton. But at least most of the time Patton managed to complete what he said he could do. Eisenhower was the face of american leadership. And had to play politics as a result of having command over all allies in Europe. When you get to echelons above reality the less control you actually have. I believe certain commands were given due to concerns about fratricide with the allies as the gap was closing. Concerns about Patton hard charging north to close while Monty was trying to close the gap as he moved south. But the hindsight is 20/20.