How the New BEF Went to France - The War Illustrated 4 November 1939

This is an extract taken from a speech given by Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha, Secretary for War, in the House of Commons on 11 October 1939 and describes how the BEF was transported to France in September and October 1939.  The optimism of the speech makes it clear that the defeat of Frnace in June 1940 was not even considered a possibility.  This is a fascinating read 25 years on from the despatch of the first BEF in 1914.

I will publish further extracts from this speech over the next week.

Within six weeks of the outbreak of war in 1914 we had transported to France 148,000 men. Within 5 weeks of the outbreak of this war we had transported to France 158,000 men.

During this period we have also created our base and lines of communication organisation, so as to assure the regular flow of supplies ans munitions of every kind and to receive further contingents as and when we may decide to send them. The major operation is thus over, and it is possible to speak to the House with frankness. I wish it had been prudent to do so previously.

Night by night at the War Office we have waited for tidings of the arrival of the convoys. These have averaged three every night. It would have been encouraging to have shared at every stage the news as we received it with the nation so uncertain of what was transpiring and so naturally eager for reports about its Army.

The Press, like Parliament, willingly observed a reticence which in itself was a safeguard for out contingents. There is no need for further silence, and a body of war correspondents has just arrived in France with the object of keeping us all informed of day to day impressions and happenings.