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The Graveyards of Gallipoli; A Digger History Associate Site |
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A Tribute to the Men of all the Nations that took part in the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915 |
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Field Marshal William Riddell Birdwood GCB, GCMG, GCVO, KCB |
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Before the evacuation Birdwood was promoted to Commander in Chief but refused to accept it. |
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Field Marshal William Riddell Birdwood GCB, GCMG, GCVO, KCB,
wearing a slouch hat.
The hat was presented to him during a tour of Australia, where he was warmly received. The inscription reads 'W R Birdwood'. Birdwood began his career in the Indian Army, and was a protégé of Lord Kitchener. In November 1914 Kitchener, as Secretary of State for War, appointed Birdwood to command the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in November 1914; becoming a full general in 1917, he continued in the role until May 1918, when he was made commander of the British Fifth Army. His interest in the men, high principle and considerable bravery made him an effective, popular leader. The Australians called him "Birdie". |
| After the war he returned to India and commanded the Northern Army; he was Commander in Chief in India from 1925 to 1930. In 1916 he was awarded the Croix de Guerre by France, and was made a Grand Officer (Second Class) of the Legion of Honour. He was also made a Grand Officer of the Order of La Couronne (Belgium) in 1917. AWM image & text. |
1st Anzac Corps, Fifth British Army, also previously n Army; Major General Sir (later Field Marshal Lord) William Riddell Birdwood (of Anzac, Bt), GCB, GCMG, CIE, DSO, Commanding British fifth Army, formerly 1 AIF, 1 Anzac Corps; also (Boer) War. by James Peter Quinn, 1919 |
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General Sir
William Riddell Birdwood about to start on a flight from Minchinhampton
to Leighterton, two aerodromes of the Australian Flying Corps, in
Gloucestershire, in England.
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| Shown: Major R. C. Phillipps MC DFC, Commanding Officer (CO), No. 6 Training Squadron (pilot); General Birdwood (seated in plane); Major R S Brown, CO, No. 5 Training Squadron (far right). Avro 504K aircraft 1/2f p. A group of airmen stand in front of a camouflaged canvas hangar. | |
