Issue 1: Scots on the Western Front – General Haig

Issue 1: Scots on the Western Front – General Haig General Haig is one of the most controversial figures of World War One. The phrase “lions led by donkeys” had Haig in mind. People believed that he lacked imagination and persisted in the same tactics – with bloody results.

Issue 1: Scots on the Western Front – General Haig Haig was Scottish. He ordered attacks in which he knew tens of thousands would die and then repeated the slaughter day after day for 5 months like at the Somme. Haig admitted that he was pursuing a policy of “war of attrition”, he was deliberately sacrificing men to also bleed the German army dry. Haig appeared aloof, did not care about his men or their losses e.g. “the nation must be taught to bear losses”.

Issue 1: Scots on the Western Front – General Haig – unfairly criticised? World War One was different to previous wars: Different kind of warfare – German army was 3.7 million. Biggest army the British army had previously faced was 88,000. Untrained army – army of inexperienced soldiers – conscripts and volunteers. Modern weapons – in the first years of the war, both armies were using 19th Century attack against 20th century defences (machine guns). Lack of communication – communication difficult in the trenches – most done by telegraph and radio. Not always useful as it requires wires. Messengers, dogs and carrier pigeons were also used as they were reliable.