The British Expeditionary Force (1939–1940)

The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was the British Army contingent sent to France after Britain declared war on Nazi Germany in September 1939. It spent the Phoney War digging defences, then fought in the Battle of France in May 1940 before being evacuated from Dunkirk. Though it lost most of its equipment, the rescue of its soldiers preserved Britain's ability to keep fighting.