This is a forceful and probing analysis of the British generals' leadership. For too long, John Laffin maintains, the generals' military reputation has not been examined critically enough, and he asks how those responsible for such catastrophic defeats were able to retain their commands. Haig, whose army suffered 60,000 casualties on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, was still in command after five months more fighting and another 400,000 casualties. By the war's end the number of dead ran into millions; doggedly brave British Empire soldiers who, John Laffin believes, were killed, wounded or broken by commanders who were vain, egocentric or incompetent. But the generals, who blamed the dead and junior in rank, cannot be excused on the grounds that there was 'nothing else that they could do.' Even now, ninety years after the 'Great War for Civilization', this book raises uncomfortable questions. Dr Laffin draws on the memories and writings of those who took part and quotes other military historians to provide a lucid analysis of just what went wrong in the generals' leadership and how it resulted in such appalling losses, and concludes that they were not merely incompetent, but uncaring. Controversial, intelligent and uncompromising, this important book is an invaluable addition to the history of World War I and will be read by all interested in this period and its influence on succeeding campaigns.

An analysis of the British generals' leadership during World War I. For too long, John Laffin maintains, the military reputation of the generals has not been examined critically enough, and he asks how those responsible for such catastrophic defeats were able to retain their commands.

The true story of how Britain won the First World War. The popular view of the First World War remains that of BLACKADDER: incompetent generals sending brave soldiers to their deaths. Alan Clark quoted a German general's remark that the British soldiers were 'lions led by donkeys'. But he made it up. Indeed, many established 'facts' about 1914-18 turn out to be myths woven in the 1960s by young historians on the make. Gordon Corrigan's brilliant, witty history reveals how out of touch we have become with the soldiers of 1914-18. They simply would not recognize the way their generation is depicted on TV or in Pat Barker's novels. Laced with dry humour, this will overturn everything you thought you knew about Britain and the First World War. Gordon Corrigan reveals how the British embraced technology, and developed the weapons and tactics to break through the enemy trenches.

Contains primary source material.

Michael Neiberg offers a concise history based on the latest research and insights into the soldiers, commanders, battles, and legacies of the Great War.

An expert narrative of 1918, when the breakthrough was finally made, and everything it took to achieve victory.