How much leeway does Britain have with the mobilisation and transport to France of the BEF? IOTL 5 divisions were in place in France for the battle of Mons on 23 Aug, while the 4th division began embarking for France on the same day, I believe it didn't actually reach the front lines in France until 31 Aug. The 6th division, the final pre-war complete division in the UK, embarked for France on 8 Sep, joining III Corps which was formed with 4th division on 31 Aug. IIUC about the only other regular unit available in the UK was the Royal Marine Brigade which went to Zebreggue on 27 Aug and withdrew 31 Aug.
Then there is a big time gap until the 7th division, made up of garrison battalions from the closer outposts, and the Royal Naval Division are sent into action in Belgium on 6 Oct.
How much leeway does Britain have in this chain of events?
Then there is a big time gap until the 7th division, made up of garrison battalions from the closer outposts, and the Royal Naval Division are sent into action in Belgium on 6 Oct.
How much leeway does Britain have in this chain of events?
- Could they declare war and mobilise a few days later and still have 4 infantry divisions in place at Mons on 23 Aug?
- Could they have all 6 infantry divisions in the UK at Mons by 23 Aug with OTL DoW/Mobilisation?
- Could a delayed DoW/Mobilisation have all 6 infantry divisions at Mons by 23 Aug?