Who was the controversial British commander on the Western Front, known for the disasters at the Somme and Passchendaele?

• A. Winston Churchill
• B. Basil Rathbone
• C. Douglas Haig
• D. Monty Montgomery

Answer: (C)

Douglas Haig was a British commander during World War I, specifically known for his role on the Western Front. His leadership is often remembered as controversial, particularly due to the massive loss of life and the challenges faced by the British troops during significant battles such as the Somme in 1916 and Passchendaele in 1917.

The Battle of the Somme, initiated to relieve pressure on French forces and to weaken the German army, resulted in over one million casualties and is often cited as one of the bloodiest battles in history. Similarly, the Passchendaele campaign was marked by muddy conditions, inadequate planning, and staggering human costs, leading many historians and contemporaries to question Haig's strategies and decisions.

His tactics, which relied heavily on mass infantry assaults and artillery bombardments, faced criticism for failing to adapt to the realities of trench warfare and modern combat. Consequently, the legacy of Haig is a subject of debate, with some viewing him as a dedicated and brave leader, while others consider him a symbol of military mismanagement.

In contrast, figures like Winston Churchill were more involved in political and strategic leadership rather than direct military command, Basil Rathbone was primarily an actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes,