Online Talk - Douglas Haig - How did how he Exercise Command?

Wednesday 9th December 2026

Douglas Haig, while a firm believer in subordinate initiative, equally expected his orders and intent to be followed. However, this was complicated by an ever-changing command structure. The nature of the BEF's command structure was never stable. The Army expanded in size, while at the same time officers were also killed or promoted, and, on occasion, Haig had to decide which officers needed to be sent home if they were not up to the required standard. This required Haig to command his team as a group of individuals, balance potential against ability, and in doing so, historians have interpreted him as being inconsistent, lacking in compassion, interfering and a martinet. The presentation will examine how Haig ensured his intent was delivered.

Our speaker, Phil Watson, joined the Army as a boy soldier in 1977 and served with the 9th/12th Lancers for the whole of his military career. When Phil left the Army, he was appointed the Assistant Regimental Secretary, where he continued to support his Regiment, totalling 48 years of service. In 2019, he studied for his MA in military history at Wolverhampton. Phil has now returned to Wolverhampton for a PhD in the development of British military doctrine and is supervised by Dr Spencer Jones.

Registration for this talk is free to members and non-members alike. You can sign up here.