British Army of the Rhine - Definition and Overview

There have been two formations named British Army of the Rhine (BAOR). Both were originally occupation forces in Germany, one after WWI, and the other after WWII.

The second BAOR was formed on 25 August 1945 from 21st Army Group. Its original function was to control the corps districts which were running the military government of the British zone of occupied Germany. After the assumption of government by civilians, it became the command formation for the troops in Germany only, rather than being responsible for administration as well.

As the Soviet threat increased, BAOR became more responsible for the defence of Germany than its occupation. It became the primary formation controlling the British contribution to NATO after the formation of the alliance in 1949. Its primary combat formation was I Corps. The commander of the BAOR was also the commander of NATO's Northern Army Group NORTHAG in the event of a general war with the Soviet Union.

The 1993 Options for Change defence cuts resulted in BAOR being replaced by the 25,000 strong British Forces Germany (BFG) in 1994.

Commanding Officers

• General Sir James Cassels 1960-1963
• General Sir John Hackett 1966-1968
• General Sir William Scotter 1978-1980

See also

• British military history
• UK topics