Personal message from the C-in-C : to be read out to all troops ...

At head of title: 21 Army Group.
Date printed at foot, below Montgomery's signature printed in facsimile.
The printed message from Montgomery was issued shortly before the start of the D-Day invasion of Normandy (June 6, 1944). The text begins: "1. The time has come to deal the enemy a terrific blow in Western Europe. The blow will be struck by the combined sea, land, and air forces of the Allies--together constituting one great Allied team, under the supreme command of General Eisenhower. ..." The text concludes: "4. And as we enter the battle, let us recall the words of a famous soldier spoken many years ago: -- 'He either fears his fate too much, Or his deserts are small, Who dare not put it to the touch, To win or lose it all.' 5. Good luck to each one of you. And good hunting on the mainland of Europe." The verse is from "My Dear and Only Love" by James Graham, Marquis of Montrose.
Similar printed messages were issued on the eve of the invasion by Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lt.-Gen. Henry Duncan Graham Crerar (the latter for Canadian units).