Does Haig deserve the title ‘the Butcher of the Somme?’ Flashcards
Some statistics of the Somme Battle
57,140- British casualties on the first day of the battle (1st July 1916)
419,654- British casualties during the Battle of the Somme, July to November 1916
204,253- French casualties during the Battle of the Somme, July to November 1916
465,000 to 680,000 -Estimates of German casualties during the Battle of the Somme, July to November 1916
127,751- British soldiers who died during the Battle of the Somme, July to November 1916. (Some divisions lost over 90% of their soldiers)
893 -average number per day of British soldiers who died during the Battle of the Somme, July to November 1916
Almost 3,000,000 shells were fired by British & French artillery
The British Plan
Weeklong artillery fire to destroy German barbed wire and flatten trenches
British troops would cross over no-man’s-land with minimal resistance
The British Reality
British bombardment was only partially successful
‘Pals’ Battalions’ too inexperienced
Germans tapped into British communications
Why General Craig does not deserve the title “Butcher of the Sommes”
This is because every war must have casualties, regardless of the tactics and methods used for warfare. It is not fair to blame one man who single-handedly caused the deaths of over 400,000 people. Moreover, General Montgomery’s statement mentioned that he did not know of the conditions that the British soldiers were living and working in, and was horrified when he found out.
Why General Craig does deserve the title “Butcher of the Sommes”
Some people lay believe this because he was very narrow minded, and did not admit when he was doing wrong. Many believe that he did not care about his soldiers, because he left them in trenches, where many died of diseases and illnesses, while he lived in the comfort of his chateau with the other generals, 50 km away from where the action was taking place, to ensure his safety. Moreover, he did not listen to the criticism that he was given, and simply carried on doing what he wanted, rather than listening to what others had to mention about improvements that could be used.
My Overall Opinion
Overall, I believe that General Haig did not single-handedly cause the tragedy of the Battle of the Sommes, however he had quite a large factor in it. I believe this because he should have taken the time to go up to the from line to see for himself the damage that had been taken, and then once he had seen it first hand, he could prepare better for the future, with new tactics and plans, however he was very narrow minded, sticking to the same few plans.
