The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of World War I, lasting from July to November 1916. General Douglas Haig was the commander of the British Expeditionary Force during this period.

Source A: Excerpt from a military report, 1916

'Haig believed in the importance of a massive artillery bombardment and relentless infantry assaults to break the enemy lines.'

Provenance: Official military report, July 1916.

July 1, 1916: The first day of the Battle of the Somme, marked by heavy casualties for the British.

July 13, 1916: The British make limited gains after intense fighting.

November 18, 1916: The battle ends after four months of fighting, with no decisive breakthrough.

Source B: Memoir of a British soldier, 1916

'The day was a disaster, with many brave men lost before even reaching the German lines.'

Source C: Statement by Haig, 1916 'We must continue the attack to achieve a breakthrough, regardless of the cost.'

Historian View:

'Haig's relentless push for continued attacks resulted in high casualties and has been criticized for a lack of strategic flexibility.'

Source D: Supportive view 'Haig was a determined leader who believed in the eventual victory of the Allies.'

Critical view:

'His strategies caused unnecessary suffering and failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough.'