Oi You Knobbly Knees, dont worry about the Somme you get those notes joted down on this blog about Loos!!!

Seriously though, I am not sure what to make of this comment!

Was he refering to successful attacks? Where?

perhaps alot was learnt from 1914-july 1916 but not much could be classed as successes could it. Or does he refer to what was learnt out of the bad performances?

I too would assume that Haig was well aware what Rawlinson was doing, whether he would have altered the plan is not always a safe assumption. He often asked/suggested but did not order his commanders to follow the route he wanted! Though a suggestion often led to complience.

Not up on the Somme as individual battles so can not really comment any further

regards

Arm

Arm,

Thanks for your contribution. The Loos notes are finished in draft form (about 1000 words), just need to check them again - they have taken me 2 1/2 lunchtimes so I hope your grateful in the first at the bar kind of way!

Haig was referring to Rawlinson's various efforts between July and beginning September 1916 in which many casualties were expended for no appreciable gain. I get the feeling that he didnt really rate Rawlinson but of course Rawlinson was compliant to Haig due to the Davies affair after Neuve Chapelle when French was going to have Rawly dismissed until Haig talked French round.