In Haig's Shadow
General Hugo De Pree who was Sir Douglas Haig's nephew and close friend, and a distinguished army officer in his own right. Recently Prof Gary Sheffield has published a selection of De Pree's writings which among other things, shed light on the Battle of Cambrai; De Pree's sacking and subsequent reinstatement as a brigade commander during the Hundred Days; and the politics involved in writing Haig's authorised biography.
After fighting in the Boer War, De Pree was sent to the Western Front as Chief of Staff of IV Corps. He played a central role in planning the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. The following year, he was appointed to command the 189 Brigade in 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, taking part in the March Retreat.
De Pree was sacked after taking the morally courageous decision to cancel his brigade's attack in August 1918. But after appealing the decision, he was appointed to command a brigade of 38th (Welsh) Division in the final weeks of the conflict.
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