The Old Contemptibles – Britain's First Expeditionary Force

This episode follows the birth, actions and evolution of Britain’s first Expeditionary Force in 1914, from the small pre‑war army that met the Germans at Mons to its growth into a mass field army capable of trench warfare. It examines how surviving evidence shows the force’s struggles, adaptations and legacy amid the myths that later grew up around the term ‘Contemptibles’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices