Douglas Haig, commander of the British Expeditionary Force during World War I, is often remembered as the "Butcher of the Somme" due to his decision to launch a series of offensives on the Somme River in 1916, resulting in heavy British casualties with little strategic gain. Haig's unwavering belief in the superiority of artillery barrages and frontal assaults led to devastating losses, estimated at over 600,000 men across both sides. Critics argue that Haig's stubbornness and lack of innovative tactics contributed to the immense suffering endured by his troops, tarnishing his legacy as a military leader.
