Final answer:
General Howe led the British forces during the Battle of Bunker Hill, overcoming initial setbacks to eventually overpower the American troops after they ran out of ammunition.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Battle of Bunker Hill, which is actually more accurately referred to as the Battle of Breed's Hill, Major General Sir William Howe commanded the British forces and made several critical decisions. Initially facing organizational issues similar to the American troops, the British navy's bombardment of Breed's Hill was ineffective, which highlighted the issue of the wrong ammunition being brought for their cannons. Despite this, the British troops, after two failed attempts, succeeded on their third assault due to the depletion of the American ammunition. Howe ordered a frontal assault with bayonets which forced the American forces to abandon their fortified positions and retreat, effectively giving the British control of the area, despite suffering heavy casualties. In a broader strategic context, Howe's maneuvers at subsequent battles, like leading British and Hessian troops through the Jamaica Pass to outflank American forces, demonstrated his tactical ingenuity despite the high cost to his forces.