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haig hexagon
Commander of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) on the Western Front from 1915 to 1918.
Haig Hexagon
Haig Hexagon is a small reserve near the Water Gate where six roads converge. It was named after General Douglas Haig, a British military officer, who was a prominent figure during World War I.
Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig, 1861 – 1928. Soldier (study for portrait in General Officers of World War 1 – National Galleries of Scotland.
Artist John Singer Sargent. Source: Wikipedia Commons Public Domain.
He is perhaps best known for his role as the commander of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) on the Western Front from 1915 to 1918. Haig’s leadership is often associated with British involvement in major battles, most notably the Battle of the Somme (1916) and the Battle of Passchendaele (1917).
The Battle of the Somme, July-november 1916 Troops outside their dug-outs in Bazentin-le-Petit, July 1916. British Imperial War Museum Source: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain.
Battle of the Somme (1916)
Haig was in command during the Battle of the Somme, a large-scale offensive on the Western Front that aimed to break the stalemate between the Allies and the Central Powers. The battle, which began on July 1, 1916, resulted in significant casualties on both sides. While the British and French forces did make some territorial gains, the overall success of the offensive has been a subject of historical debate. The Battle of the Somme is remembered for its massive scale and the high human cost.
Wounded Canadians on their way to aid-post during the Battle of Passchendaele 1917. William Rider-Rider Library and Archives Canada Source: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain.
Battle of Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres, 1917)
Haig also led the British forces during the Battle of Passchendaele, a campaign fought in the Ypres salient. The battle, known for its difficult terrain and heavy rain that turned the battlefield into a quagmire, resulted in substantial casualties. The battle is often criticised for its perceived lack of strategic success in proportion to the cost.
The Controversy
Historians debate Field Marshal Douglas Haig’s leadership during World War I. Some praise him as an effective commander who adapted to trench warfare and contributed to Allied victory. Others criticise him for high casualty rates, particularly in the battles of the Somme and Passchendaele, arguing his strategies led to heavy losses with little gain. This controversy reflects the complexities of military command and the difficulty in assessing historical figures within the context of World War I’s challenges.
Sir Douglas Haig with Currie and Canadian Division commanders (less Loomis, 3rd. Canadian Division) and Morrison, December 1918 in Bonn, Germany. Source: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain.
After The War
After the war, Haig remained engaged in military and veterans’ affairs. In 1919, he was elevated to the title of Earl Haig and played an active role in the Royal British Legion, a prominent veterans’ organisation. Despite the controversies surrounding his wartime leadership, Haig’s legacy has undergone reassessment by some historians in later years, with a more nuanced understanding emerging.
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