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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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British Expeditionary Force
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(BEF) The name used for the first British army sent to the Continent in each of the world wars. The BEF of 1914 (see *Old Contemptibles) was the professional rapid-response force established by *Haldane. Under the command of Sir John French it landed at Boulogne on August 14; by August 23 it was involved at *Mons, followed by action at *Ypres in October. In December 1915 French was replaced as commander by *Haig. By then the original force of professional soldiers was being supplemented by hundreds of thousands of volunteers recruited into the army.
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The BEF of 1939 was sent to France in September under the command of Lord Gort. The troops dug in during the winter along the French-Belgian border, but were outflanked by the rapid advance of the German army in May 1940. They were rescued at *Dunkirk, where the rearguard was under the command of General *Alexander.
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