MAJOR-GENERAL BIRDWOOD

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2367, 25 January 1915, Page 6

MAJOR-GENERAL BIRDWOOD

SKETCH OP HIS CAREER. 'A Bombay correspondent writing to tho "Sydney Morning Herald" gives the following particulars of tho commander of tho Australian and New Zealand Army Corps:— While it has been generally known liero for somo days that Major-Gonoral W.. R. Birdwood wa-s to command tho Australian and New Zealand forces at tho front, the' appointment has only now been officially announced. As is known in Australia, the Australians are now in Egypt, carrying out tbo double object of perfecting their training and strengthening tho British, forces there, and they will shortly be joined by their now leader, who leaves India during tl.o next few days. The idea is that tho Australians and the New filial! go into action together, and will bo formed with other ranks into ouo army corps. .Major.-General Birdwood will be with the men in Egypt, and then, at fho decided time, lead them to battle. Tho appointment of Major-General Birdwood is considered a happy one in India, as ho saw a good deal of tho Australian contingcntß in South Africa. .He is a young general, beiugj in his forty-ninth year, and, m addition to a successful career during the South African War, he has'seen servico in several expeditions in India, returning in every caso with his reputation as a dashing soldier strengthened by promotion and medals. Tho General has a striking carriage and pleasant face, marked by determination. He is very popular m military circles' ill Tndia, and there is no doubt tho Australians will Cud him ail efficient and pleasant leader.

Landmarks of his Career. Passing over General Birdwood's early days' in the army, wo find him, at the opening of his career in India, taking part in tho Hazara'aud Isazai Expeditions of 1891 and 1892, and for his work in these expeditions ho received a medal and clasp. Thon ho was in the operations on the Samaiia, 'in 1897189S (medal with two clasps), and ho was mentioned in dispatches. He was homo on leave when the South African war broke out; and in November, 1899, .was appointed a special service officer, serving in that capacity with the Natal Field Force until the following January, when ho became a brigade major, and in Octobev, 1900. ho was appointed a D.A.A.G. He carried out those duties until June, 1.902. and he was then for a short thru military secretary to Lord Kitchener, G.0.C.-in-Chief of tho Forces in South Africa. Ho was throe times mentioned in dispatches by Sir Redvers Bullor. and once by Lord Kitchener, and lie was given the. brevets of major and lieutenant-colonel (Queen's medal with six clasps and King's medal with two clasps).

Returning to India with tli? rani: of Colonel, lie received an appointment at Army Hendnuarters, and irucli of bis work in India was afterwards done at headquarters. He was on tho sMff of Lord Kitchener (when Commander-in-Chief in India). But in 1908 ho was given another opportunity to see service, being nnpointed chief staff o(Tie»r with tho Mohmand Field Force. He served with the force throughout the year, and added to his laurels a DAO.. a mednl with clnsp. and was mentioned iu dispatches. Then ho took command of tho Koli.it Brigade, while his latest appointment has that of Army Secretary. General Birdwood was decorated with the C.I.E. in 1908, 0.5.1, iu 1910, and CB. at the Coronation.