On 20 November , Haig ended Process_end the offensive , except for local attacks in December for better defensive positions .

No formal invocation of presidential succession took place Process_start , although Secretary of State Alexander Haig stated Statement that he was `` in control Control here '' while Vice President George H. W. Bush returned Arriving to Washington .

Severe criticism Judgment_communication of General Sir Douglas Haig and General Henry Rawlinson during and since the war Military_operation for persisting with attacks Attack on October , was challenged in 2009 by William Philpott , who put Placing the British share of the battle into the context of strategic subordination to French wishes , the concept of a general Allied offensive Attack established Creating by Joffre and the continuation of French attacks Attack south of Le Transloy , which had to be supported Supporting by British operations .

During the battle Hostile_encounter , misleading information and delays Change_event_time in communication left Causation Herbert Plumer and Field Marshal Douglas Haig under the impression Change_sentiment that a substantial advance Cause_to_make_progress had taken place towards Passchendaele ridge .