Douglas Haig

Date of Birth: June 19, 1861

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: January 29, 1928

Biography

Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig, was a senior officer of the British Army who commanded the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) on the Western Front during World War I from late 1915 until the end of the war. Born on June 19, 1861, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Haig was educated at Clifton College, Oxford, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He saw early military service in the Sudan and the Boer War and gained a reputation as a competent and diligent officer. During the First World War, Haig was appointed commander of the BEF and led British forces through several key battles, including the Somme, Passchendaele, and the final Hundred Days Offensive, which contributed to the end of the war. His leadership style and strategies were often controversial, resulting in significant casualties, but he was also credited with helping to achieve victory for the Allies. After the war, Haig was made an Earl and became involved in veterans’ welfare, helping to establish the Royal British Legion. He passed away on January 29, 1928, in London, England, and was buried at Dryburgh Abbey in the Scottish Borders.

5 Interesting Facts about Douglas Haig

1. Douglas Haig was a founder of the Royal British Legion, an organization that supports British veterans.

2. He was known for his meticulous planning and organizational skills, which were instrumental in the final Allied offensives of World War I.

3. Haig was criticized for the high casualty rates under his command, particularly in the battles of the Somme and Passchendaele.

4. He was awarded several honors, including being made a Knight of the Thistle and receiving the Order of Merit.

5. Haig’s diaries and letters, published posthumously, have provided valuable insights into his thoughts and strategies during the war.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Douglas Haig

1. “The idea that a war can be won by standing on the defensive and awaiting an attack is a dangerous fallacy.”

2. “Further, a defensive policy involves the loss of the initiative, with all the consequent disadvantages to the defender.”

3. “I believe that every man who goes to the front is proud to do his duty.”

4. “There is no doubt that the morale of the enemy is sinking, and that of our troops rising.”

5. “I really believe my men have done wonders. They have improved every day.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Douglas Haig’s net worth was not documented in terms of modern financial metrics. However, his highest achievements included his titles and honors, such as being made an Earl and receiving various military decorations.

Children

Douglas Haig had four children with his wife, Dorothy Maud Vivian. Their names were: 1. Alexandra Henrietta Louisa Haig 2. Victoria Dorothy Haig 3. George Alexander Eugene Douglas Haig, 2nd Earl Haig 4. Irene Violet Freesia Janet Augusta Haig