THE AUSTRALIAN LIST

Waikato Times, Volume 84, Issue 13188, 31 May 1915, Page 5

THE AUSTRALIAN LIST

FAR !N ARREARS. GENERAL BIRDWOOD WOUNDED. Received May 30, 3.30 p.m. SYDNEY, May 30. 1 hough the- authorities art 1 making every endeavour to expedite the publishing of the Dardanelles casualty lists, there are indications .that they' are far in arrears. While the local lists give a total or 4539, Sir George Reids cable states that the Australian casualties include 500 dead and 5200 wounded. Speaking at a London function Sir G. Reid said he was glad that General Birdwood's head wound was not serious. Beyond this he had no information that General Birdwood had I>een wounded. HQW GENERAL BRIDGES DIED. CARELESS OK SAFETY. "WHOLLY WITHOUT FEAR." Received May 31, 9.40 a.m. • SYDNEY, May 31. (apt. Bean > cables that General Bridges was wounded en route to the iiring line. He' was usually careless of his personal safety to a point of recklessness and would stand in full view of the enemy's position. He was often clfritted to be more careful by members of his staff. On the first day a. man standing alongside him was shot dead, and latterly he was more careful and consented to take rover when shrapnel was breaking right over him. On the 'morning of his death he was noticed to be especially cautious in approaching the position lie-wished to inspect, and, acting on advice, I-e ran across the exposed positions. He was making one of these runs with his staff when ho was hit by a bullet which cut two large arteries m his leg. Help was immediately at hand atul he was brought to cover. But for . the presence of the doc r tor he would liave died in a few seconds so great was tne Joss of blood. The General's first words were "Don't- carry me down. I do not want any of vcu fellows to run into danger." His opposition was overcome and while the party was returning the Turks perhaps realised that he was a wounded man and did not fire. ( apt. Bean £<ids that lie has noticed, while not always r> scrupulous and humane tighter, the Turk sometimes acts very fairly and humanely. General Bridges' last words beforo being placed aboard the ship were:— "Anyhow I commanded the Australian Division for nine months." Captain Bean pays a tribute to him as an able and strong commander, wholly without fear. Brigadier General Walker, who was Chief of General Birdwood's staffs has succeeded to the command o*' tli<j Division. ;