Mobilization. The 18 Days 5-22 August 1914

Image: National Army Museum (NAM_112783)

Concentrating primarily on the eighteen days between 5 August 1914 and 22 August when the Army went into action. The talk however does not ignore the ‘Senior Service.’ How accurate though were the memoirs which have become the cornerstone of our understanding of Britain’s mobilization?

The talk will shed light onto the forces mobilized. Whilst many members are aware of the importance of reservists to the mobilized BEF the talk will delve into the actual process by which reservists were incorporated back into the army. Why had some reservists been away from the Colours for nine years? 

Was the BEF really “incomparably the best trained best organised and best equipped British Army which ever went forth to war” as Edmonds the official historian has claimed?

What was the importance of Regimental Depots? Why for example did 1/Bedfords. become part of 15 Bde. of Fergusson’s 5 Division? What was the Special Reserve and the Extra Special Reserve?

The latter part of the talk will consider how the BEF was transported to France. Why the Prime Minister, Secretary of State for War and Commander in Chief of the BEF all considered Henry Wilson’s WF plans to deploy the BEF forward around Maubeuge to be unsuitable.

You don't have to be a Member of The Western Front Association to attend our meetings as all are equally welcome. Do come along and enjoy a friendly atmosphere and the good company of fellow enthusiasts.