The BEF: The 'Final Verdict' | Prof John Bourne

Video Description

Now that the Great War is more than a hundred years behind us, and after five years of centenaries, it is perhaps a good time to reflect on the overall performance of the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front. The BEF, especially its generals, still has a bleak reputation. Those seeking examples of military ineptitude often look no further. But the BEF grew in a short space of time from a small colonial police force, equipped for counter-insurgency operations, into a mighty army capable of delivering efficiently organised violence against a major military power. Does this amount to a national triumph or was it a painful example of learning how to drive by having a series of expensive car wrecks? This lecture will consider the evidence. If you enjoy this video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel ! The Western Front Association is a UK registered charity. The Western Front Association: https://www.westernfrontassociation.com Become a member: https://www.westernfrontassociation.com/membership Find 100s of Articles on the Great War of 1914-18: https://www.westernfrontassociation.com/world-war-i-articles Find a local Branch: https://www.westernfrontassociation.com/branches #greatwar #westernfrontassociation #ww1 #worldwarone #bef