Chapter 12: BEF to the Continent

Christian Linares HotA 2 Chapter Questions for Guns of August Chapter 12: BEF to the Continent

1. Who was appointed as Secretary of State for war in Britain? Explain his attitude toward the role to be played by the British Expeditionary Force in France. (pp. 228-229)

Field Marshall Lord Kitchner was appointed the new Secretary of State for War. Kitchner was not happy to be the new Secretary of State for War. Generals worried that he would use his new position or be used by the government to interfere with the sending of an Expeditionary Force to France.

2. What was the reason for Lord Kitchener’s hesitancy for sending the BEF to the continent to back the French plan? (pp. 229-230)

Kitchner believed that sending the Expeditionary Force out would not do much to change the outcome of an impending clash between the German and French armies.

3. For what reason did Tuchman state that Kitchener was given control of the war office? (pg. 231)

For his “prestige”, regardless of the fact that he had no experience for such a position.

4. How was Kitchener’s image used in England as of early August, 1917? (pg. 232)

Beginning on August 7, posters of him were placed all over England to encourage recruitment. The posters read “Your Country Needs You” and featured Kitchner pointing out towards the observer as well as his unmistakable moustache.

5. Why was Lord Kitchener convinced that a large invasion of France through Belgium was imminent? (pg. 232)

The Germans were moving in from the offensive west, from Meuse.

6. Explain the orders given by Kitchener to Sir John French regarding the use of the BEF. What was to be the role of the BEF in relation to France and Belgium? What was Kitchener concerned about? (pp. 240-241) What was the ultimate effect of these orders on Anglo-French cooperation in the early part of the war?

To avoid “superior forces”, support France and cooperate with their army. Assist the French in preventing or repelling the invasion of French or Belgium territory by Germany. Eventually to try and restore Belgium neutrality. Kitchner feared French offensive strategy, which would leave the British “unduly exposed to attack”. It nullified orders to “support” and “cooperate” with the French.