The BEF in France 1939-1940

The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was the British force in Europe from 1939-1940 during the Second World War. Commanded by General Lord Gort, the BEF constituted one-tenth of the defending Allied force. The BEF was sent to France in September 1939 and deployed mainly along the Belgian-French border during the so-called Phoney War leading up to May 1940. The BEF did not commence hostilities until the invasion of France on 10 May 1940. After the commencement of battle, they were driven back through Belgium and north-western France, forcing their eventual evacuation from several ports along the French northern coastline in Operations Dynamo, Ariel and Cycle.