22 MARCH 1919, Page 2

Sir Douglas Haig, having finished his work on the Western

Front, was appointed last, week to command the forces in Great Britain. Sir William Robertson, on relinquishing the Home Command, took over the ommand of the Army of the Rhine. It would be impossible to overestimate the debt which the country owes to these two great men. Sir Douglas Haig com- manded the First Division at Mona in August, 1914, and as Commander-in-Chief from the autumn of 1919 until the Armistice of November last he bore with courage and patience the most exacting responsibilities which any British General has ever had to endure. He trained the new Armies in modern warfare ; he planned and executed successfully the I hue tremendous offen- sives of the Se name, the Flanders ridges, and the Hindenburg system which broke the enemy's power ; and he won that long and silent battle with the amateur strategists, wearied of the Western Front, which in its results was almost as decisive of victory as the exploits of our armies in the field. Sir William Robertson, as Chief of Staff at home, played an unobtrusive but invaluable part by keeping our military policy on the right lines, in the face of incessant opposition, and by giving Sir Douglas Haig his loyal support. The two military chiefs, who formed an ideal combination, deserve our lasting gratitude.