Sir John French informed Joffre the following day that the British Army would require an additional ten days before it could effectively participate in the ongoing battle. This request for time, particularly under perilous circumstances with the enemy threatening London, might have cost him his command if he had made such a plea while engaged in combat. However, despite the difficult position, French continued to serve as the Commander in Chief for an extended period of another eighteen months.

This situation highlights the complexities of military leadership and decision-making during critical times. While French's request might seem impractical in a dire situation, his retention in command reflects the larger dynamics at play in the British military hierarchy during World War I. Barbara W. Tuchman's account illustrates the tension between operational readiness and the realities of war leadership.