Haig and Sir John French preferred an attack around Aubers Ridge, while Foch wanted British pressure at Loos to draw reserves away from the French effort near Vimy. The dispute illustrates the limits Britain was willing to place on allied control of its troops. Permission to use gas is suggested as one reason Haig accepted the operation. Afterwards, Haig claimed the first day's success had been wasted through the handling of reserves. Rival reports and correspondence with political leaders and the King helped discredit French and clear the way for Haig's appointment.
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Loos, reserve disputes, and Haig's rise to command
The Battle of Loos combined coalition pressure, gas, and a bitter reserve dispute that helped Haig replace Sir John French.