Douglas Haig and the First World War (Cambridge Military... - Harris, J. P.

Douglas Haig and the First World WarAuthor(s): J. P. Harris\nFormat: Hardback\nPublisher: Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom\nImprint: Cambridge University Press\nISBN-13: 9780521898027, 978-0521898027\nSynopsis\nFrom 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 [tel] 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 a.