Trench warfare on the Western front 1914-18 Flashcards
who was war between
Russia, France Belgium and GB vs Austria-Hungary and Germany
what was ww1 known as
war of attrition
Information about Haig
December 1915 Haig become commander in chief of British force
Battle of Somme, 1st June 1916 failures artillery bombardment, didn’t have enough heavy guns or right type of shell so bombardment failed to cut German barbed wire
600,000 shells fired 1500 guns then British advanced unknowingly barrage was too far ahead19,000 British troops killed biggest one day loss
allies advanced no further than 7 miles 420,000 British casualties, 194,000 French and 465,000 German
dilemma, he had no option but to attack due to French position, machine guns gave massive advantage, bombardment need if to break through but earned enemy of imminent attack many defensive lines, if troops were close they were mowed down if troops advanced in open they were hard to control
in favour of Haig
army wasn’t well trained made of volunteers therefore detailed and similar orders needed 100,000 to 1 million
didn’t plan offense together as Haig needed to relive offensive set on French
everyone was a learner in trench warfare, unskilled commanders
public opinion and French wouldn’t allow Haig to stay on the defensive
Britain determination strained German resources
against Haig
60,000 casualties in one day
failure of bombardment never confirmed yet Haig still attacked, misjudgement
pushed elusive breakthrough costing many men’s lives
November 1917 Cambrai aided by 324 tanks, British troops advanced 3 miles but German counterattacked and recovered all land once fighting ended in December Britain 45,000 casualties
100 days offensive
