LORD BIRDWOOD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22954, 4 February 1938, Page 8

LORD BIRDWOOD

Lord Birdwood of Anzac and Totnes has taken his seat in the House of Lords, an event which awakens a flood of memories in the hearts of thousands of Australians and New Zealanders who. had the honour to be commanded by him in the Gallipoli campaign. It was a proud moment for them, for many of their Tcinsmen and for many whose kinsmen died in the war, when the Field-Marshal, known through the ranks as "Birdie," claimed the name of Anzac as part of his title. It is a name made sacred by great endeavour, by great sacrifice, to the two young branches of the race in the Antipodes. None but Sir William Birdwood, "the soul of Anzac," could have so used it. Gladly the Anzac soldiers who remain would have offered it. Looking back through the long years that have passed since they set out on the great adventure, possessing the confidence of General. Birdwood, which was not completely shared by other British officers, they see him again without tunic and without bodyguard, walking through the trenches, they hear his cheerful unconventional greetings, and their hearts warm within them. It was a rare bond of affection that was established and it was mutual. His was no studied plan to gain popularity. His attitude was the natural expression of his own wonderful personality. Thus he was given an enduring devotion. Through his association with the troops of these young Dominions, his voice in the Lords will have high Imperial import.