His chest is broad and deep, yet scarcely broad enough for
the rows of service and order ribbons that plant a mass of color
against the background of khaki. . . .
"Into every detail of daily life at General Headquarters the
Commander's character is impressed. After lunch, for example, he
spends an hour alone, and in this period of meditation the whole
fateful panorama of the war passes before him. When it is over the
wires splutter and the fierce life of the coming night--the Army does
not begin to fight until most people go to sleep--is ordained.
"This finished, the brief period of respite begins. Rain or shine, his
favorite horse is brought up to the door, and he goes for a ride,
usually accompanied by one or two young staff-officers. I have seen
Sir Douglas Haig galloping along those smooth French roads, head up,
eyes ahead--a memorable figure of grace and motion. He rides like
those latter-day centaurs--the Australian ranger and the American
cowboy. He seems part of his horse."
Such was the man who did his full share in turning the German tide.
Throughout the four long years of war, he faced the enemy with a calm
courage which if it ever wavered gave no outward sign. And that is one
reason why the Little Contemptibles grew and grew until they became a
mighty barrier stretching across the pathway of the invader from sea to
sea, and saying with their Allies:
"You shall not pass!"
IMPORTANT DATES IN HAIG'S LIFE
1861.
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