The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Major General Sir (later Field Marshal Lord) William Riddell Birdwood (of ANZAC, Bt) GCB, GCMG, CIE, DSO, was selected from the Indian Army 1914 to command the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. He supervised the Corps during its training in Egypt and led it during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915. Birdwood retained command of the Australian and New Zealand formations when they moved to the Western Front early in 1916, and throughout their campaigns in France and Flanders until May 1918, when he was appointed to command the British Fifth Army. His contact with the ANZACs was not severed by this appointment, as they remained under his command in the Fifth Army until the end of the war. He was warmly and affectionately known to his soldiers as "Birdie".
Major General Sir (later Field Marshal Lord) William Riddell Birdwood (of ANZAC, Bt), GCB, GCMG, CIE, DSO, was selected from the Indian Army 1914 to command the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
A watercolour of General William Birdwood (1865-1951). Birdwood, a British officer, was appointed to command the Australian and New Zealand forces in 1914 and led the ANZAC corps on Gallipoli. It was
Silver gilt field marshal's baton. Both ends are wreathed in laurel, tudor rose, thistle and shamrock pattern. The baton is surmounted by a silver gilt figure of St George killing the dragon. Body of
Depicts staff of the 1st and 2nd Australian Divisions standing outside the chateau at St Gratien to farewell General Birdwood. The chateau was used as headquarters for the AIF. William 'Birdie' Birdwo
Portrait of General (later Field Marshal) William Riddell Birdwood GCB, GCMG, GCVO, KCB, wearing a slouch hat. The inscription reads 'W R Birdwood'. Birdwood began his career in the Indian Army, and w
Wooden case, covered with crimson velvet, to house a field marshal's baton. The inside of the lid is lined with cream satin and the base with cream velvet. The satin inside the lid is stamped in black
