Shells Scandal
Sir John French also told Repington that a shortage of artillery ammunition had been a reason for the failure of the previous British attack at Neuve Chapelle in March 1915.
Repington witnessed the failed attack at Aubers Ridge, a major offensive in Artois, and was particularly moved by the losses of the Rifle Brigade. He sent a telegram to The Times blaming lack of High Explosive shell, which despite being heavily censored was printed after French's aide Brinsley Fitzgerald assured him French would approve. French had, despite Repington’s denial of his prior knowledge at the time, supplied Repington with information.
The appearance of this information in The Times and later in the Daily Mail, resulted in a political scandal which contributed to the creation of a separate Ministry of Munitions under David Lloyd George, a major reduction in the power of War Minister, Lord Kitchener. In the long run, such blatant meddling in politics also damaged Sir John French and contributed to his sacking at the end of 1915. Repington now had growing influence over military policy through the newspapers, but was banned from visiting the Western Front again until March 1916.
Read more about this topic: Charles à Court Repington
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