Series 4: Correspondence between Field Marshal Lord William Birdwood and Sir James Allen, 1915-1918

A series of letters between Field Marshal Lord William Birdwood and the New Zealand Minister for Defence, Sir James Allen. The correspondence covers topics relevant to the New Zealand war effort and also the impact of events that occur in Australia on New Zealand and its population. Some of the topics discussed include disciplinary action involving New Zealand troops, reinforcements, military appointments, the conscription referendum in Australia, the New Zealand Military Service Act, the escape of German prisoners from Motuihi led by Count Von Luckner, mine sweeping of Cape Farewell, and the coal mine strikes in Australia. Several letters also discuss Clifton, a school in England, as Allen realised soon after commencing this exchange of letters that Birdwood was also a Cliftonian. Allen was awarded a Knight Commander (KCB) in early 1917 and the change in title is evident in this correspondence. This series also includes correspondence from other officers during the First World War, including General Sir Alexander John Godley, Major General Sir Neville Reginald Howse, Colonel Courtney Clarke Manifold, and General Andrew Hamilton Russell.

• Letters written to Field Marshal Lord William Birdwood by Sir James Allen, 1915-1918
• Letters written to Sir James Allen and other correspondents by Field Marshal Lord William Birdwood, 1915 - 1919