Parker, Frederick Birdwood (b.1920 - d.2008)

Collection comprising four letters written by General William Riddell Birdwood to Frederick Birdwood Parker and his family, between the years 1932 and 1934. Frederick Birdwood Parker’s father, Herbert Hamilton Parker, served in the 8th Light Horse Regiment during the First World War. Parker met General Birdwood during the Gallipoli campaign. Following the war, Parker’s son was born on 19 January 1920, and named Frederick Birdwood, in honour of General Birdwood. Twelve years later, Frederick, a school boy, wrote to General Birdwood, welcoming him on a visit to Australia. Birdwood’s reply, dated 22 August 1932, reads: ‘Dear Birdwood Parker, I cannot tell you how very much I appreciate the very nice and kind letter of welcome which I have just received from you, which coming from the son of one of my old comrades of the 8th Light Horse, I very much value …’. Each of the four letters written by Birdwood expresses fond wishes for the Parker family, the final letter, dated 1 December 1943, closes: ‘I hope this will reach you about Christmas for it takes with it heartiest of season’s greetings with the hope that many happy years of good fortune and good health are before you and all the family. Your sincere friend, WR Birdwood’.

Frederick Birdwood Parker later enlisted in the Second World War.