Quotes About BEF

In August 1914, the BEF mustered two corps totalling four divisions (plus a cavalry division) from an Army which, at full strength, could muster eleven divisions. When the Battle of the Somme opened two years later, on 1 July 1916, the BEF could muster 58 divisions in 18 corps organized in four armies

If Joffre's plan were to work, it was essential that the BEF hold the space between Lanrezac and the newly forming Sixth Army. Under General Order No. 2 Joffre intended the BEF to conform to the general pace of the retreat and, once they reached the Somme at St. Quentin, hold firm.

Murray kept repeating that the BEF was under the formal orders of its Commander in Chief to rest, reorganize, and await reinforcements, and he could do nothing until his return.