Haig:

A Reappraisal 70 Years On

Review by Tony Gibbs

Edited by Brian Bond and Nigel
Published by Leo Cooper Books

Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig was the commander of the British Expeditionary Force from 1915 through to the armistice in 1918. As such he was in overall command of what the BEF did and how they did it. Since his death in 1928 his reputation has suffered from mud-slinging, much of it occurring during a revival of interest in WW1 during the Fifties and Sixties.

This book, actually a collection of superb essays, was compiled to “put the record straight.” It is unashamedly pro-Haig, but it seems to me only mildly so, indeed it still contains criticisms, but of a more human kind the kind that we all have to some degree). this is a lot different to the blanket accusation of “Butcher” which was prevalent when I was in school.

The essays, of which each comprises a chapter in the book, cover many areas of contention, such as his relations with the government; his allied generals; his commanders; his use of tanks; new technologies; military discipline and so on. As already noted, all the chapters were written by different authors, so while the changes in style and viewpoint have to be adjusted to, the overall effect is to see our subject in a series of mirrors, each giving us a slightly different view of his complex character.

My impression has been of an able commander trying to keep up and master new technology, but still having no fresh ideas on how to win the war other than the same old battles of attrition. A lack of vision perhaps. Having said that, remember that the Germans were in retreat before the American forces took to the field, so maybe the strategy was working - though the price was awfully high.

The essay that I found most interesting was that on Military discipline, which due to the lack of surviving records dwelt on enforced death penalty convictions. For example: of some 3500 recommended for the death penalty, only 351 were actually shot, which is ironic considering that most of them were deserters who were trying to get away from just that situation.

A good book, an interesting read. I enjoyed this one. If this book had been written by one author it might have seemed too long; the changes in pace and perspective were refreshing. Available from Combined Publsihing, PO Box 307, Conshohocken, PA 19428, www.dca.net/combinedbooks. for $45.00

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