Haking: A Dutiful Soldier

Brief Summary

Haking: A Dutiful Soldier by Michael Senior is an insightful account of Sir Richard Haking’s tenure as the commander of the British XI Corps during the First World War. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of his military career from 1915 to 1918, particularly his operations on the Western and Italian Fronts. It aims to reassess Haking's reputation as a military leader, often disparaged as part of the "donkey" category of WWI generals. The study intends to evaluate his command performance, strategies, and the challenges he faced, shedding light on key military operations, including the contentious attack at Fromelles and the British engagements in Italy and France. Through this examination, Michael Senior endeavors to present a more nuanced portrait of Haking, offering a counter-narrative to his largely negative historical reputation.

Main Themes and Topics

Michael Senior delves into several significant themes throughout the book. A central theme is the reassessment of Haking’s notoriety as a commander. The book challenges the established view of Haking as a failed military leader, suggesting that his contributions to the war may have been more positive than traditionally acknowledged. It addresses trench warfare, analyzing the operational strategies adopted by XI Corps, particularly the criticized Fromelles assault. The narrative also explores British military tactics and relationships, such as the involvement with the Portuguese Expeditionary Force and alliances with Italian forces. Through these themes, the book addresses broader topics like command and control on the front, the British Expeditionary Force's (BEF) learning curve, and the overarching doctrine of offensive strategies during the war.

Writing Style and Tone

Michael Senior employs a scholarly and analytical writing style, maintaining a tone that is both informative and objective. The book is meticulously researched, utilizing a range of historical documents and accounts to underpin its narratives. Senior's writing is structured and methodical, guiding readers through complex military strategies and historical contexts with clarity. The tone remains unbiased, focusing on presenting evidence and analysis to support the reevaluation of Haking’s role and decisions during the war. It strikes a balance between detailed military exposition and broader thematic exploration, making it accessible to both amateur history enthusiasts and seasoned military historians.

Criticism

While Haking: A Dutiful Soldier offers a thorough and reconsidered portrayal of Sir Richard Haking, it may face criticism from readers who maintain traditional views of Haking’s military reputation. Some readers might argue that the book gives too much leniency to Haking’s failed operations by focusing on contextual justifications. Additionally, those seeking a more narrative-driven account of World War I may find the book’s analytical approach and heavy focus on military strategy and policy somewhat dry or dense.