Douglas Haig and the First World War

Title: Douglas Haig and the First World War

Author: Harris, J P

Condition: Mint

Edition: 2nd Edition

Publication Date: 2009

ISBN: 9780521158770

Cover: Soft Cover without Dust Jacket – 652 pages

Comments: 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 new 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 1915–17 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.