Douglas Haig and the First World War [Hardcover]

A major biography of one of the most controversial commanders in British military history.A biography of Sir Douglas Haig, one of the most controversial commanders in British military history. Paul Harris decisively answers the contested issue of whether Haig's tactics cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of British soldiers during the First World War or were essential to the Allied victory.A biography of Sir Douglas Haig, one of the most controversial commanders in British military history. Paul Harris decisively answers the contested issue of whether Haig's tactics cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of British soldiers during the First World War or were essential to the Allied victory.From December 1915 until the armistice of November 1918, Sir Douglas Haig was commander-in-chief of the largest army his country had ever put into the field. He has been portrayed as both an incompetent 'butcher and bungler' and a clear-sighted, imperturbable 'architect of victory'. However, in this magisterial account, J. P. Harris dispels such stereotypes. A dedicated military professional, Haig nevertheless found it difficult to adjust to the unprecedented conditions of the Western Front. His capacity to 'read' battles and broader strategic situations often proved poor and he bears much responsibility for British losses 191517 that were excessive in relation to the results achieved. By late 1917 his own faith in ultimate victory had become so badly shaken that he advocated a compromise peace. However, after surviving the German spring offensives of 1918, he played a vital role in the campaign that finally broke the German army.Introduction; 1. Boyhood and early career; 2. South Africa to the Curragh crisis; 3. Anxiously to war; 4. From the Marne to the Salient; 5. Army commander; 6. Aubers Ridge to Givenchy; 7. The Battle of Loos; 8. Commander-in-Chief; 9. The Battle of the Somme (1); 10. The Battle of the Somme (2); 11. Lloyd George and Nivelle; 12. The Battle of Arras al#¦