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A Great Feat of Improvisation

Logistics and the British Expeditionary Force in France 1939-1940

Author : Clem Maginniss

A Great Feat of Improvisation : Logistics and the British Expeditionary Force in France 1939-1940

Details

General - Pages : 578 | Images : 82 b/w photos, 14 colour maps, 7 diagrams, 79 tables

Paperback - Date of Publication : 15th June 2021 | Size : 245mm x 170mm | ISBN : 9781913336158 | Helion Book Code : HEL1241

A Great Feat of Improvisation redresses the long-standing lacuna in the historiography of the BEF: logistics. Wide ranging in reach, comprehensive in scope and meticulously researched, it lucidly demonstrates, through description and analysis, not only the importance of logistics to military operations during the
campaign but provides fresh evidence and analysis on the deployment sustainment, operations and evacuation of the BEF in the period 1939-1940.

A Great Feat of Improvisation examines how pre-war strategic, economic, political and defence dynamics influenced the plans to generate and deploy the BEF, before assessing how the logistic challenges were met.  Many aspects of the BEF's logistic operations are described and analysed, including the development of the BEF’s Wheeled Motor Transport capability, the establishment and expansion of the Base, the role of military and commercial railways to the BEF's capability and the organization and capability of logistics at divisional level.

The BEF’s ammunition, supply and fuel distribution systems, together with the delivery of equipment spares, recovery and repairs, are examined in addition to the logistics under-pinning the BEF’s growing offensive Gas Warfare capability.  Logistic support to the 1st Armoured Division is described from the division’s formation to its evacuation from France, whilst the logistic aspects of denial and recovery operations are explored.  Also assessed is the planning and delivery of the ‘Quartering’ requirement within the United Kingdom for the returning units of the BEF and support to the Soldier in France. 

 

"Written by an ex-RLC officer, this well researched, labour of love, addresses not only the historic logistic void in the British Expeditionary Force’s operations but also opens a broader analysis of the evolution of Britain’s land power sustainment in WW2 and beyond......The author’s sources and referencing are excellent and offer any military logistician a wealth of information on doctrinal development, manufacturing challenges and the difficulties of fielding and supporting a land force across a broad spectrum of operations.  This book is well worth the full cover price and will be a strong contender for inclusion in MGL’s Professional Reading List." Royal Logistic Corps Foundation

"This absorbing work must be read to understand those early days of the war, when Britain stood alone after Dunkirk." GunMart

"Clem Maginniss's A Great Feat of Improvisation is a significant contribution to our understanding of the importance of logistics in military operations. By shedding light on the often-overlooked logistical efforts that supported the BEF during a critical period in history, Maginniss brings to the forefront a vital aspect of war that has long deserved recognition. This meticulously researched and well-written book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history and the untold stories of those who enabled the great feats of the past." Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research (JSAHR)

"A Great Feat of Improvisation is a significant contribution to our understanding of the importance of logistics in military operations. By shedding light on the often-overlooked logistical efforts that supported the BEF during a critical period in history, Maginniss brings to the forefront a vital aspect of war that has long deserved recognition. This meticulously researched and well-written book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history and the untold stories of those who enabled the great feats of the past." The Military Reviewer Blog

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