IEMA-P-096-062

In September 1939, the strength of the regular army was approximately 6,000. Together with the reserves, particularly the Volunteer Force, the total did not exceed 20,000. On the 10 May 1940, when the German offensive in Western Europe began, the total in permanent service did not exceed 13,355. However, by 31 March 1941 the total reached a figure of 41,463. This rapid increase in personnel put enormous pressure on the regular army cadres and the volunteer force and it is too their credit that a well trained, if ill-equipped, force was quickly established to depend against invasion.