| Accession Number | P03717.009 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom: England, Greater London, London |
| Date made | 1917 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Portrait of General (later Field Marshal) William Riddell Birdwood GCB, GCMG, GCVO, KCB, wearing ...
Description
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 was a protege 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. 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.