How it all started...

       This offensive was planned late 1915 and was meant to be a French-British attack on the German lines. But before they could proceed with the attack, the Germans attacked the French in The City Of Verdun resulting in the distraction of the French. The French commander in chief, Joseph Joffre urged the new British commander in chief, Douglas Haig to commence with the attack to put more pressure on the Germans, and help the French at Verdun. 

                                                             

Joseph Joffre                                                           

Douglas Haig