The numbering of British Field Armies in WW2

Hi all, can anyone shed light on the numbering of British Field Armies in WW2, was there a rhyme and reason, why didn’t they follow the convention of WW1, ie First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth?

Regards
Fatboy Coxy

 

I'm not a expert on this, but I'll play one here

Like most peace time countries they did not start with named/numbered armies and indeed Britain's first army was called the BEF even tough at its maximum size of some 13 divisions it was starting to creep into army group size. Basically 'armies' were stood up when enough troops were gathered together to under take a fairly discreet mission. One UK army (4th) did not really exist as it was part of a deception plan to attack Norway. Others (1st, 10th and 12th) were formed to control specific tasks and once complete the troops were redeployed to other commands. 2nd and 14th armies served the second half of the war in NW Europe and Burma respectively and were augmented by troops from disbanded army's (1st, 10th). Only two army's (8th and 9th) served the longest as a numbered force.

Bottom line between losses in WW I, requirements for the RN/RAF and political considerations within the Commonwealth the UK could not put as many field formations on the ground and had to shift troops around as needed.

 

Looks like this question would be better posted over on our sister site, WW2T. There are many more there who would probably know a lot more about this question, and I'd really like to know too since it was mentioned.