A unified war plan could leave the British Expeditionary Force committed to Europe while preparing a second force for global or amphibious operations. Proposed contributors include a Royal Marine or Royal Navy division, British Army troops, and divisions from India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada. Such a force could reinforce France, land behind the German advance near the Dutch-German coast, or undertake Gallipoli. It would mobilize more slowly than the BEF and could also serve as an imperial policing force. Nearly seven years of joint staff and government preparation would distinguish it from the forces historically available in 1914. Regional battlecruisers could escort troop convoys from Dominion bases, hand them over to British ships, and return to their own stations. Coordinated formation and shipping plans would give the joint command a prepared option when war began.
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A joint imperial expeditionary force
Common army-navy planning could create a second, multinational expeditionary force for amphibious operations, imperial policing, or reinforcement.