Notable Point ยท 4:42:01-4:43:48

How Dominion politics affected Western Front command

Command appointments had to account for Dominion governments and the confidence of the forces serving under them.

Notes

Western Front command involved the interests of the Indian, Canadian, and Australian armies as well as those of the British Army. As Canadian and Australian formations gained prominence, their governments' preferences affected which senior officers they would serve under. Haig's standing with their soldiers is offered as one reason they accepted his command. Stories of his reluctance to leave front-line units are presented partly as unit mythology. The discussion also connects interest in Monash with his experience under Plumer and his acceptability to Imperial forces.