Haig and the Battle of the Somme

Haig did not want to attack on the Somme at all, but since the politics of a coalition war meant that he had to, the preparation and planning were as good as they could be. That more was not achieved was due to an under-estimation of the strength of the German defences, a. shortage of artillery ammunition and, more than anything else, the lack of experience of the New Armies. Once the Germans had attacked Verdun... the Somme had to happen and it had to continue until German reserves were used up.

Ludendorff (German Commander) admitted that his troops had suffered very heavy losses and that morale was at a low ebb... Before the end of 1916 he demanded the use of child labour in Germany to release men for the front. It was far from being a needless slaughter.

"Mud, Blood and Poppycock", by Gordon Corrigan (2003).

Haig and Tanks

If opportunity should offer to gain valuable results by the use of even a few tanks, I should have no hesitation in taking advantage of it, and I consider it of very great importance that such numbers of tanks as can be made available should be sent to France with the least possible delay.

Haig to his Second in Command, July 1916.