THE DIGGERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 308, 29 December 1924, Page 5

THE DIGGERS.

" FINEST GOD MADE." "BIRDIE" ON "BELOVED MEN." LONDON, December 20. General Sir William Birdwood had an enthusiastic reception at an A.1.1. dinner to Brigadier-General T. A. Blarney, C.M.G., D.5.0., who is returning to Australia. He said that when Brigadier-General Blarney succeeded Major-General Sir Brudenell White, who was one of the beßt officers in the whole British Army, his corps played a tremendous part m Wiping out the German front, entitii'ig him to the highest praise. General Birdwood declared that he regarded the Australian soldier as the finest human being God ever made. If he had to take the field again, there were no soldiers he would sooner lead than his beloved Diggers. The speaker touched on Gallipoli, mentioning the services of Colonel Williams —"O.C. Water" —at a time when it was really doubtful whether we would be able to hold on on account of the shortage of water. Sir William proudly explained that he had induced a hundred Australians and New Zealanders to accompany him to India. Many, he added, unfortunately, had been demobbed, but, he warn glad to say, on good terms. There were still sufficient remaining to hold an Anzac dinner annually. If he returned to India, he would certainly surround himself with as many Di»"ers as possible. He described his aide-de-camp, Captain Keith Dawson, as one of the nnedt officers he had ever met. The dinner was given by the &..L.V. Officers' Club. Brigadier-General T. A mamey, C.M.G., D.S.O has been Australia's representative at the V*ar Office The club also welcomed Bri-SSTer-General T. H. Dodds, C.M.G., D.5.0., his successor.