Machine Guns and Warfare? Never!
July 14th 2008 10:30
Field Marshal Douglas Haig, born June 19, 1861 was a senior British commander during World War I and has been regarded as somewhat of an idiot.
Known as the "Butcher of the Somme", he had a reputation for issuing orders which led to excessive casualties of British troops and never actually visited the direct warfront.
You could say that his grip on reality was somewhat tenuous - especially when you realise his thoughts on the changing technologies of war. Haig thought machine guns were quite ridiculous and would never be of any trus assistance in battle.
Even 10 years after the barbed wire and machine gun defences of the Germans, he denied that the day of the Horse Cavalry was over, writing "I believe that the value of the horse and the opportunity for the horse in the future are likely to be as great as ever. Aeroplanes and tanks are only accessories to the men and the horse, and I feel sure that as time goes on you will find just as much use for the horse - the well-bred horse - as you have ever done in the past".
It has been said about him that he was "Brilliant to the top of his army boots."
Known as the "Butcher of the Somme", he had a reputation for issuing orders which led to excessive casualties of British troops and never actually visited the direct warfront.
You could say that his grip on reality was somewhat tenuous - especially when you realise his thoughts on the changing technologies of war. Haig thought machine guns were quite ridiculous and would never be of any trus assistance in battle.
Even 10 years after the barbed wire and machine gun defences of the Germans, he denied that the day of the Horse Cavalry was over, writing "I believe that the value of the horse and the opportunity for the horse in the future are likely to be as great as ever. Aeroplanes and tanks are only accessories to the men and the horse, and I feel sure that as time goes on you will find just as much use for the horse - the well-bred horse - as you have ever done in the past".
It has been said about him that he was "Brilliant to the top of his army boots."
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