| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART15519 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Overall: 45.7 x 30.5 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | watercolour over photo on paper |
| Maker |
Kinsella, E P |
| Place made | United Kingdom: England, Greater London, London |
| Date made | 1917 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
General Birdwood
Description
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 he who prepared the plan for the landing. Never regarded as an intellectual or a great strategist, he had strengths as a leader. "Birdie" was popular with the men, and was sometimes called "the spirit of ANZAC". Birdwood continued to command Australians in action in France and Belgium until promoted General Officer Commanding the British 5th Army in 1918. After the war he was warmly greeted by veterans when he toured Australia in 1920.