sentences:  On the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 these fleets were combined into the Channel Fleet with Burney in command.In that role he ensured the safe passage of the British Expeditionary Force to France in October 1914.He went on to be commander of the 1st Battle Squadron as well as second-in-command of the Grand Fleet with his flag in the battleship HMS "Marlborough" in December 1914.