The British Military in 1940: Equipment and Strength in the Shadows of Dunkirk

After the Dunkirk evacuation in May and June 1940, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) left behind a significant amount of military equipment and supplies. This loss was a critical setback for the British military but the successful evacuation allowed Britain to regroup and continue the fight against Nazi Germany. However, much more than commonly assumed, the British Home Forces in 1940 were better equipped and prepared, with various divisions and brigades at full strength.

Remaining Equipment and Supplies

Over 68,000 vehicles, including trucks, tanks, and other military vehicles, were abandoned. Approximately 400 artillery pieces were left behind, and over 500,000 small arms were lost. A large quantity of ammunition and supplies, estimated at around 1 million tons, was also left in France. This loss was a significant setback, but it was not the end of the British military's capabilities. Much of this equipment was stored in reserve depots in the UK, and factories ramped up production to offset the losses.

British Home Forces and Preparedness

Contrary to the common misconception, the British Home Forces were not entirely stripped of resources. In July-Sept 1940, during the invasion period, the British Army remained significantly equipped and capable. The 1st and 2nd Armoured Divisions and the 1st and 21st Armoured Brigades were close to full strength, along with 23 Infantry Divisions and 10 Independent Infantry Brigades in the UK. All divisions and brigades in the South East, the invasion area, were at full strength in both men and equipment.

Several divisions and brigades were also ready to be deployed, including a further Armoured Division, Armoured Brigade, and two Infantry Divisions that were sent to the desert following Mussolini's declaration of war and the invasion of Egypt. This indicates a level of confidence in defending the UK, even though they sent resources to other fronts.

Key Equipment and Supplies

The BEF lost a significant portion of its tanks and artillery, but the British Home Forces were better equipped. Cruiser Tank Mk.IVs and Mk.V Covenanter tanks, though still in early production, replaced some units. Infantry Tank Mk.II Matilda and Mk.III Valentine were in production, and a significant number of Light Tank were available. Universal Carriers, running at full rate, provided a reliable supply of light vehicles.

Artillery-wise, the BEF lost 2472 artillery pieces, mostly of WWI vintage. However, deliveries to the British Army in 1940 included 4700 artillery pieces. In August 1940, the army had 720 x 25 pdrs, 334 x 18 pdrs, 561 x 4.5 inch howitzers, 226 x 4.5 inch howitzers, 600 x 9.2 inch howitzers, 134 x 60pdr howitzers, and 35 x 9.2 inch coastal guns. The production of 3.7 inch AA guns, 40mm Bofors, and 2pdr AT guns was ongoing and in full production.

Ammunition was a critical issue. While the BEF had been supplied with a significant portion of available ammunition, a huge share was left behind in France. However, production lines in the UK were running for small arms and modern artillery, ensuring a steady supply. 3.7 inch AA guns, 40mm Bofors, and 2pdr AT guns were in full production, contributing to the readiness of the Home Forces.

Vehicles also left British lines, with 85,000 vehicles lost in France. However, the British Army had been the most motorised force in the world in 1940, with the production scales to back that up. An Armoured/Mechanised force of Corps strength was established, under GHQ control, to counter any invasion.

Conclusion

While Dunkirk marked a significant retreat, the British military was far from helpless. The Home Forces remained well-equipped and ready, with a robust supply chain and production capacity to replenish lost resources. The successful evacuation of the BEF allowed Britain to regroup and maintain its fight against Nazi Germany, demonstrating the resilience and resourcefulness of the British forces.