Debunking the Myth: Sir Douglas Haig and the Battle of the Somme

One of the most contentious figures in World War I is Sir Douglas Haig, the commander-in-chief of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). He is often referred to as the "Butcher of the Somme," but does this nickname hold up to scrutiny? This article seeks to debunk the myth surrounding Sir Douglas Haig and provide a comprehensive understanding of his actions during the Battle of the Somme.

Unjustified Nickname - Armchair Warriors

The nickname "Butcher of the Somme" is a legacy of those who viewed the horrors of the Battle of the Somme from the safety of their armchairs. These individuals lacked both knowledge and understanding of the circumstances that led to Haig's decision to launch the battle. Haig, in his strategic plan, did not wish to launch the Battle of the Somme, but the necessities of the war forced him to do so.

Could a Modern Officer Have Prevented the Massacre?

To address another aspect of the criticism, it's interesting to consider whether a modern Army officer could have prevented the massacres that occurred. While it is true that a modern officer would know what tactics were required, such as fire and manoeuvre and the use of artillery, air support, and tanks, implementing these strategies would have required significant time and resources for training and equipping the troops. Furthermore, the German offensive at Verdun made standing on defense until all was ready impossible. Therefore, Haig did the best he could with the resources available to him.

Co-ordination and Strategy

The Battle of the Somme was initially meant to be a co-ordinated attack between the French and the British. However, the Germans launched a surprise offensive at Verdun, forcing Haig to proceed with the attack to relieve the pressure on the French. Given the vast length of the trenches extending from the sea to Switzerland, it's clear that different tactics were not as feasible as they might seem in hindsight.

International Diplomacy and Command

It's also important to note how Lloyd-George, the British Prime Minister, influenced Haig's command. Lloyd-George subordinated the BEF and the whole army when deployed to the French, leading to decisions such as staying as close to the German lines as possible. This policy often prevented British generals from moving to better positions, even if it required giving up ground. These circumstances highlight the complexities of international diplomacy and command during wartime.

German Perspective and the Aftermath

The German perspective on the Battle of the Somme provides another layer of insight. Despite the high casualty rates, the Germans themselves regarded the battle as a defeat. One German general described it as the "muddy graveyard of the Imperial German Army." Every German unit on the Western Front at some point fought on the Somme, making it a significant and critical battle for both sides.

Propaganda and Misinformation

Post-war, the British government and political figures like Lloyd-George used propaganda to protect their reputations, leading to a misinformed public perception. The Labour Party seized upon these half-truths and distortions during the Great Depression to ferment anger and unrest, which they sought to exploit. Much of this misinformation has since been accepted as fact, but it is crucial to reassess these attitudes and knowledge in light of current historical understanding.

The Turning Point in 1918

It wasn't until 1918 that the British under Haig's command achieved the decisive breakthrough required to defeat Germany. The Battle of Cambrai in 1918 demonstrated the world's first true combined battle, a Blitzkrieg attack. Therefore, it is essential to reassess our understanding of what truly happened during the Battle of the Somme and beyond.