Allied Forces Act 1940 facts for kids
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| Long title | An Act to make provision with respect to the discipline and internal administration of certain allied and associated forces, and for the application in relation to those forces of the Visiting Forces (British Commonwealth) Act, 1933, the Naval Discipline Act, the Army Act and the Air Force Act. |
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| Citation | 3 & 4 Geo. 6 c. 51 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 22 August 1940 |
| Commencement | 22 August 1940 |
| Repealed | 12 June 1954 |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by | Allied Powers (War Service) Act 1942 |
| Repealed by | Visiting Forces Act 1952 |
| Relates to | Visiting Forces (British Commonwealth) Act 1933 |
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Status: Repealed
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| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
The Allied Forces Act 1940 was an important law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom in 1940. This happened after France was taken over by Germany during World War II.
This law allowed countries whose lands were occupied by Germany to keep fighting. It let them form their own armies, navies, and air forces right there in Britain.
Contents
What Was the Allied Forces Act?
The Allied Forces Act gave legal permission for several countries to set up their own military forces in the United Kingdom. These countries included Belgium, Czechoslovakia, the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland. All these nations were under German control at the time.
The Act also covered the Free French forces led by Charles de Gaulle. Later, the law was extended to include Luxembourg, Greece, and Yugoslavia.
How Did It Work?
These allied forces were allowed to be fully independent. They had their own commanders and followed their own military laws. However, it was expected that British leaders would help guide their overall plans. They would also work together on big military operations.
Why Was This Act Important?
This law was very important because it allowed these nations to stay active in the war. They could continue fighting as independent allies. This was much more than just sending people or offering moral support to the United Kingdom.
A British official explained that these foreign governments needed their own armies. These armies were a symbol of hope for millions of people. They also represented freedom for their countrymen living under German rule. The hope was that these armies would lead the way to free their home countries.
Impact on the War Effort
After the Act was passed, many national military units were quickly formed. By October 1940, thousands of soldiers from these allied countries were serving in Britain. For example, there were about 18,000 Poles, 15,000 Norwegians, and 3,000 Czechs. There were also thousands of Belgian, Dutch, and French soldiers. Many naval and air force members also joined these forces.
The Allied Forces Act was later changed and expanded by another law in 1942. This new law was called the Allied Powers (War Service) Act 1942.
