Birdie - More Than 'Soul of Anzac'

Historians have long cited Field Marshal Lord Birdwood as being overdue comprehensive study. His Indian and South African service experiences prepared him for his significant achievements at Gallipoli, commanding the Anzacs, and leading the successful final evacuations. Throughout his life he displayed great diplomatic acumen and his later years were both militarily and imperially significant.

FM Lord Birdwood was born in India in 1865. His father, from a West Country landed family, was under-secretary to the government of Bombay. Birdwood was educated at Clifton and Sandhurst, and joined the Indian Army in 1886. His early service in close relationship to Indian cavalry soldiers made a lasting impact on his life. During this time, he effected his first viceregal connections and joined the viceroy's bodyguard. Success in the Boer war and a developing professional relationship