Douglas Haig Facts & Worksheets

1915 – Spring Offensives and Taking Command

• In 1915, Haig led the British forces in several early attacks on the Western Front. In March, he planned the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle in northern France. Despite a shortage of shells, his four divisions broke through the German lines by 1,600 yards, although progress slowed after the first day. Haig was keen on using aircraft for reconnaissance and artillery spotting, which helped map German positions. Later, in May, Haig launched attacks at Aubers Ridge and Festubert to support the French army, but these gave only small gains and caused heavy British losses.
• Haig worked closely with Lord Kitchener to improve planning and push for more artillery and better use of reserves. In September, he led the Battle of Loos, where British troops broke the first German line but struggled to exploit the attack due to tired reserves and limited artillery. Haig blamed the French for not releasing reserves quickly and reported “complete” success on the first day.
• Following the difficulties at Loos, Haig argued strongly that French should be replaced. On 10 December 1915, he was officially appointed Commander-in-Chief of the BEF, with William Robertson becoming Chief of the Imperial General Staff.

1916 – The Somme and Plans for Victory

• In 1916, Haig focused on planning a big attack on the Western Front. He believed the Germans had been weakened enough at Verdun for a decisive victory and wanted to take back the Belgian coast. He worked closely with Robertson and Kitchener to make sure Britain did more of the fighting, because the French were running out of troops. Haig also wanted to use cavalry to take advantage of any breakthroughs, even though the government worried about feeding the horses.
• Haig spent a lot of time planning the British part of the Somme offensive. He wanted to wait until 15 August for more training and artillery, but the French insisted, so the attack began on 1 July. He coordinated with French forces, though their support lessened as they sent troops to Verdun. Haig also made sure chaplains were sent to boost soldiers’ morale, seeing the war as a just cause.
• From 1 July to 18 November, Haig led the British army at the Battle of the Somme. He wanted a clear victory and carefully managed troops and artillery, sometimes arguing with politicians who questioned him. On 15 August, he was given the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order for his leadership.

1917 – Passchendaele, Arras, and Cambrai

• At the start of 1917, Haig was promoted to field marshal on 1 January, a New Year’s gift from King George V. He faced problems with Prime Minister Lloyd George, who put the British army under the French commander Robert Nivelle. Nivelle’s April attack failed, causing French soldiers to mutiny, so Haig’s role in supporting British attacks, especially at Arras, became very important.
• In the spring, Haig commanded the Battle of Arras. The British gained some ground but faced heavy losses. He believed the attack helped tire out the Germans and kept them occupied, giving the French army time to regroup. Haig encouraged the use of tanks, artillery, and new strategies to help troops move forward.
• During the summer and autumn, Haig led the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele), aiming to take the Belgian coast and stop German U-boat attacks. Heavy rain turned the battlefield into mud, making movement and attacks very difficult. Despite the tough conditions, Haig pushed for continued attacks to wear down the Germans. The British eventually captured some ridges around Ypres, but many soldiers were killed or wounded.
• In November, Haig oversaw the Battle of Cambrai, where tanks were used for the first time in large numbers. The British advanced 5 miles on the first day with fewer casualties than usual. Haig personally visited the front and pushed attacks on Bourlon Wood, but the Germans counter-attacked and regained some ground. He was criticised for relying too much on his intelligence chief, John Charteris, and the battle hurt his political reputation, though he kept his job.
• Throughout 1917, Haig balanced political pressures, new technology, and the challenges of leading big attacks, while keeping pressure on the Germans and preparing for future battles.

1918 – Final Battles

• Early on in 1918, Haig thought the war might end within a year because Germany was struggling inside. Some people in the government wanted to replace him, but no one else was ready to take command. Haig was careful about giving too many British soldiers to French control, but he agreed to let Ferdinand Foch coordinate all Allied forces at the Doullens Conference in March.
• In March, Germany launched a big attack called Operation Michael. The British Fifth Army was spread thin, and Haig had to organise reserves and work with the French to stop the Germans. On 11 April, during another German attack called Georgette in Flanders, Haig gave his famous order to fight “With our backs to the wall,” inspiring his troops to hold their ground even in very tough conditions.
• Later in the spring and early summer, Germany launched more attacks (Blücher and Gneisenau). Haig had to carefully manage troops, support the French army, and respond to pressure from Prime Minister Lloyd George.