The Phoney War

When was the phoney war?

Period from September 1939- April 1940

Why did Britain declare war on Germany?

Invasion of Poland

What was the name given for the French's preparation?

Maginot line

When did Britain declare war on Germany?

1939

Initially, how many BEF infantry divisions and tanks were in Belgium and France?

4 infantry divisions and 50 light tanks

In May 1940 how many BEF men were in Belgium/France?

Almost 40,000

What was happening in May 1940?

BEF increased in size by another 6 divisions

What does BEF mean and who was it run by?

British expeditionary force, by Lord Gort

How had the allies prepared for an attack?

Built a series of extremely well armed forts, minefields and trenches

Where was an attack from Germany anticipated?

Franco-German border

How and where were the BEF sent?

To France and Belgium on a gradual basis

What was the phoney war?

Where seemingly nothing happened, known by Germans as 'sitzkreig'- sitting war