Statue of the Viscount Montgomery

The Statue of the Viscount Montgomery in London is a bronze figure of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, set on Raleigh Green in front of the Ministry of Defence Main Building on Whitehall. It makes an easy, free stop on a walk between Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.

Who was Montgomery, and why is he honoured here?

Bernard Montgomery (1887–1976) commanded the British Eighth Army in North Africa. His forces won the 1942 battle of El Alamein, widely seen as a turning point of the desert campaign, and the battle gave him his title, Viscount Montgomery of Alamein. After the war he served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff. The plinth inscription lists his commands and credits the statue to his comrades in arms and friends.

What will you see?

The statue shows the field marshal full-length in uniform on a modest plinth. It was made by Oscar Nemon, a sculptor known for portraits of leading public figures. It was unveiled on 6 June 1980 by the Queen Mother.

Montgomery shares the green with two other Second World War commanders, Viscount Slim and Viscount Alanbrooke. The three statues stand close together, so you can see all of them in one visit. Each carries its own inscription, so check the plaque to tell them apart.

How do you get there?

The statue is on Whitehall, opposite the main entrance of the Ministry of Defence. The nearest Tube stations are Westminster and Embankment, and Trafalgar Square is a few minutes' walk away. Downing Street, Horse Guards and the Cenotaph are all close by.

When should you visit?

The statue stands in a public space, open at any hour and with no ticket. Daylight is best for photographs, when the bronze catches the light. Mornings are quieter, while Whitehall fills with visitors later in the day.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. The statue stands on an open green and can be viewed free at any time.

Who made the statue? Oscar Nemon, who completed it in 1980.

What other memorials are next to it? Statues of Viscount Slim and Viscount Alanbrooke stand on Raleigh Green too, and the Cenotaph is a short walk away.

How long does a visit take? Five to ten minutes for the statue itself, or about half an hour including the neighbouring monuments and a stroll along Whitehall.