Five months had passed since General Haig confidently informed the British War Council that the machine gun was overvalued, asserting that just two per battalion would suffice. His belief minimized the weapon's significance on the battlefield. However, as the war progressed, reality starkly contradicted his claims.

The effectiveness and impact of machine guns in warfare proved to be a crucial factor, undermining Haig's earlier assessments. This error in judgment highlights the stark contrast between theoretical military strategies and the brutal realities of combat, demonstrating how technology can dramatically alter the course of conflict.