Field Marshal Sir William Robertson: Chief of the Imperial General Staff in the Great War

Sir William Robertson served as the professional head of the British army and as the constitutional military adviser to both Asquith and Lloyd George from December 1915 to February 1918. This account, based on many new sources, critically examines his leadership of the general staff as the burden of fighting the main body of the German army shifted to the British. This study sheds light on the origins and conduct of the Somme and Passchendaele offensives, and the efforts to coordinate the Allied war effort, especially the controversial effort to subordinate Haig to General Nivelle and the creation of the Supreme War Council with its inter-allied staff. The civil-military conflict over the conduct of the war, especially the growing divide between Robertson and Lloyd George, receives special attention. The previously unexplored tension between Robertson and Haig who formed the most important military partnership in British history is also examined. This account represents the untold story of the higher direction of the war in Britain.

Table of Contents:
Illustrations Prologue "The Cleverest Man in the Army" Chief of the General Staff, BEF Prelude to the Somme Somme "Firework Strategy" Nivelle Affair The Imperial Front "One Great Bog of Slime" Robertson and Allenby Strategical Nadir Robertson's Downfall Epilogue Bibliography Index

About the Author :
DAVID R. WOODWARD is Professor of History at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. A student of the First World War for over 30 years, his previous publications include a volume of the military correspondence of Sir William Robertson and Lloyd George and the Generals (1983).

Review :
.,.".a concise and lucid study which enhances our understanding of the making of British strategy in a critical period of the First World War."-The Times Literary Supplement, #5010, 1999 .,.".the book emphasises again the extraordinary career and leadership talents of "Wully," and the discourse is presented by Professor Woodward in a lucid, concise and extremely readable way."-The Journal of the Western Front Association .,."a concise and lucid study which enhances our understanding of the making of British strategy in a critical period of the First World War."-London Times Literary Supplement, 4/9/99 "Sir William Robertson was the first soldier to enlist as a private in the British army and end his career as a field marshal....For a soldier who enjoyed such a remarkable career, Robertson has not received nearly as much attention from historians as some of his contemporaries....David Woodward's new study helps fill a major gap in our knowledge of Robertson's life....[T]his is an excellent book, well researched and convincingly written. It is must reading for anyone interested in the First World War."-Albion ?....a concise and lucid study which enhances our understanding of the making of British strategy in a critical period of the First World War.?-The Times Literary Supplement, #5010, 1999 ?....the book emphasises again the extraordinary career and leadership talents of "Wully," and the discourse is presented by Professor Woodward in a lucid, concise and extremely readable way.?-The Journal of the Western Front Association ?...a concise and lucid study which enhances our understanding of the making of British strategy in a critical period of the First World War.?-London Times Literary Supplement, 4/9/99 ?[I]t is presented in a such a lucid, concise and extremely readable way by Professor Woodward.?-The Quarterly Journal of The Great War Society ?For anyone interested in military history--especially WWI--or British politics during that war. All levels.?-Choice ?Professor Woodward has expressed these ideas before, but this full and scholarly acocunt of Robertson's role in British strategy will be welcomed by all serious students of the Great War.?-The Journal of Military History ?Sir William Robertson was the first soldier to enlist as a private in the British army and end his career as a field marshal....For a soldier who enjoyed such a remarkable career, Robertson has not received nearly as much attention from historians as some of his contemporaries....David Woodward's new study helps fill a major gap in our knowledge of Robertson's life....[T]his is an excellent book, well researched and convincingly written. It is must reading for anyone interested in the First World War.?-Albion ?Woodward crafts a fascinating take of intrigue within the highest echelons of the Allied command...?-Canadian Military History "ÝI¨t is presented in a such a lucid, concise and extremely readable way by Professor Woodward."-The Quarterly Journal of The Great War Society ...".a concise and lucid study which enhances our understanding of the making of British strategy in a critical period of the First World War."-The Times Literary Supplement, #5010, 1999 ...".the book emphasises again the extraordinary career and leadership talents of "Wully," and the discourse is presented by Professor Woodward in a lucid, concise and extremely readable way."-The Journal of the Western Front Association ..."a concise and lucid study which enhances our understanding of the making of British strategy in a critical period of the First World War."-London Times Literary Supplement, 4/9/99 "[I]t is presented in a such a lucid, concise and extremely readable way by Professor Woodward."-The Quarterly Journal of The Great War Society "For anyone interested in military history--especially WWI--or British politics during that war. All levels."-Choice "Professor Woodward has expressed these ideas before, but this full and scholarly acocunt of Robertson's role in British strategy will be welcomed by all serious students of the Great War."-The Journal of Military History "Woodward crafts a fascinating take of intrigue within the highest echelons of the Allied command..."-Canadian Military History