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Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1920, Page 2

A very distinguished military Officer touches a corner of Westland County to-day. We refer to General Sir William Birdwood, who passes through Otira this afternoon enroute to Greymouth, on a flying visit to the West Coast. General Birdwood has not the time to branch south to Hokitika, as he is hastening north to-morrow to keep other engagements made ahead. The distinguished soldier came prominently to the front because of his services in the Great War, having been in charge of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force which was sent to Gallipoli. Prior to that he had wide service experience in India and South Africa, having been military secretary to Lord Kitchener in both countries. At the Dardanelles operations he was in charge of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and from the.initial letters of this command he, for brevity, coigned the now semi-sacred word, “Anzac.” He was extremely popular on Gallipoli, and Sir lan Hamilton has styled General Birdwood as the “soul of Anzac.” He took the same risks as the men whom he went among daily, and an intimacy grew up between the forces that only time can efface. In connection with Gallipoli, another famous event tti his credit was the evacuation, which was carried through in such a faultless man. ner. In Australia arid New Zealand he has met many Anzacs, and the warmth and cordiality of his reception indicate'how close he was to the hearts of the men. To win the confidence and respect of the colonial soldiers was no mean achievement, and General Birdwood appears to have a full measure of their admiration and affection.