The battle at the Somme was fought in the western front of France it was a war of attrition. The various strengths and weaknesses of this battle and Lloyd George’s criticism of Douglas Haig’s role in this war.
The Battle of the Somme was planned as a joint French and British operation. The idea originally came from the French Commander-in-Chief, Joseph Joffre and was accepted by General Sir Douglas Haig, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) commander, despite his preference for a large attack in Flanders. Although Joffre was concerned with territorial gain, it was also an attempt to destroy German manpower.
The principal attack would be led by General Sir Henry Rawlinson’s forces. He preferred the gradual approach. Nevertheless, Chief Field Commander Haig demanded a daring strike, quickly taking Bapuame then swinging north to flank the German line. Lieutenant General Sir Hubert …show more content…
In anticipation for deceiving the enemy should be made without delay by the following means. Haig was convinced these preparations would help them advance their cause, he proposed advancing his army’s trenches as well as wire cutting at intervals along the front with aspect to encourage the enemy to man his garrison and cause enervation. With a host of gas discharges, artillery barrages and bullet bombardments. Though these means Haig was convinced his forces would prevail to defeat the Germans. Haig’s strategy was to attack and keep attacking even when the ground his men gained, was useless by any military measure. Attrition is never an inspired strategy and is usually the security of a commander who cannot come up with anything better. In a situation demanding the military equivalent of wit and invention. Lloyd claims Haig lacked these important