User blog comment:LB&SCR/GWM Episode 1: Douglas Haig vs. Robert Nivelle/@comment-2600:1700:F7B1:4D20:1113:2C6F:4924:3FDE-20180505020307

GT25's Edges

Rifles (SMLE Mk. III* vs. Lebel 1886): This one is rather simple to call. The SMLE Mk. III* has a larger range, is lighter and shorter by a small bit, and has two more bullets than the Lebel 1886. While the Lebel has the bigger round, it's not by much and its tubular magazine would be harder to reload than the magazine of the SMLE. Edge: Douglas Haig

LMGs (Lewis Mk. I vs. Chauchat): Unfortunately, I'm going to have to give a bit of a rant here, since this is ridiculous easy to choose. While yes, the .30-06 variant of the Chauchat is probably worse than the regular variant...it doesn't change the facts about the main variant. First, the magazine is open on the side and would allow dirt and debris into it, thereby causing problems and the magazine itself was said to been have made of thin material. Even without that, loading it with 20 rounds is said to have cause feed failure on the first round and thus had to be loaded to only 18 or 19 rounds to prevent it. I'll stop there, but to be blunt it's more of an automatic rifle like the BAR instead of a light machine gun. However, I will give some credit as it is shorter and weights eight pounds less than the Lewis along with having the bigger bullet. Unfortunately, it doesn't fix the problems and the Lewis has more rounds with its drum magazine and is overall the better weapon. Edge: Douglas Haig

Sidearm (Webley Mk VI vs. Modele 1892 Revolver): I'm probably going to call this one a draw. Both are revolvers and, while the Webley has possibly the larger round, the Modele 1892 has the higher muzzle velocity. Plus, both are double-action and have six rounds each, so it really comes down to whether you want the larger round or higher muzzle velocity. Edge: Draw

Grenades (Mills Bomb vs. F1 Hand Grenade): Pretty easy to call. Both are very similar and could be thrown the same distance along with being shrapnel based explosives. Edge: Draw

Tactics: Both generals had to deal with the new conditions and weaponry used in the Great War with both having loses and victories at high costs. However, I'd have to give this to Douglas Haig and the British Army. While Robert Nivelle did make use of artillery to pound the enemy, it soon stopped working and lead to more losses. On the other hand, the British made use of a 'leap frogging' tactic with four flexible waves of men. Honestly, I think the British were able to adapt quicker to the trench warfare that worked better than the focus on artillery. Edge: Douglas Haig

Overall: Looking over everything, I can say that this one is rather simple to call. Both generals did their best in one of the worst wars ever known, but I think that Douglas Haig takes this battle. He not only has the superior rifle and machine gun, but the tactics of the British Army simply give Haig and his men more to work with. I'm honestly not sure how Robert Nivelle could pull out a win when it seems like everything is stacked against him.