Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:29:51-4:31:24

Plumer and Rawlinson as possible successors to Haig

Plumer was the strongest field candidate and Rawlinson another plausible option, but either promotion would disrupt the command below Haig and require further replacements.

British ArmyDouglas HaigHenry RawlinsonHerbert PlumerMilitary LeadershipWorld War I
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Question

Who could have replaced Douglas Haig on the Western Front?

Short answer

Plumer was probably the best field choice, with Rawlinson another option, though replacing Haig would also open gaps lower in the command structure.

Notes

Herbert Plumer is presented as the strongest field replacement for Haig because he combined seniority with direct understanding of the Western Front. Henry Rawlinson is the other leading commander already serving below Haig. Promoting either man would create another vacancy in the command chain, so replacement could not be reduced to changing one name at the top. Officers serving in other theaters might be capable, but bringing them up to speed on the Western Front would consume time during an active war.