Haig, Douglas, 1st Earl

views updated Jun 08 2018

Haig, Douglas, 1st Earl (1861–1928) British field marshal. During World War I, he served as commander-in-chief (1915–18) of British forces in France. Haig's policy of attrition inflicted appalling losses among British troops, particularly at the Somme and Passchendaele. Under the supreme command of Marshal Foch, he led the final assault on the Hindenburg line. In 1921 he helped establish the Royal British Legion.