Contingent of Indian Muslim soldiers with the British Expeditionary Force
at Woking Mosque for Friday prayers, 10 May 1940

The Islamic Review, December 1940.

(See also smaller image)

Major J.W.B. Farmer (Woking convert to Islam) is in the 3rd row, seated, first from left
Note: Major Farmer had retired from the army and is thus not in uniform. He served in the Home Guard.

What was the British Expeditionary Force (BEF)?

The British Expeditionary Force was sent to France to repel the German invasion of France at the beginning of the Second World War. In May 1940 it was defeated and retreated to Dunkirk on the French coast, from where its famous rescue and evacuation by boats, large and small, was carried out from England. For brief information on the BEF, please visit:

• Spartacus Educational Website
• History Learning Website