| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/04253.002 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Wood; satin; velvet; brass |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Australia Goes To War: General Birdwood |
| Maker |
Garrard & Co Ltd |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | 1925 |
| Conflict |
Period 1920-1929 |
Baton case: Field Marshal Sir William Birdwood, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army
Description
Wooden case, covered with crimson velvet, to house a field marshal's baton. The inside of the lid is lined with cream satin and the base with cream velvet. The satin inside the lid is stamped in black with a king's crown and 'GARRARD & CO. LTD. Goldsmiths Jewellers, &c. TO THE KING By Special Appointment TO THE CROWN. 24, ALBERMARLE ST, W.'. Two brass studs secure the lid.
History / Summary
Case for the field marshal's baton presented in 1925 to Field Marshal Lord William Riddell Birdwood of Anzac in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army (1925-1930). In November 1914 Birdwood had been appointed to command the forces raised by Australia and New Zealand for service in Europe. Initially he took command of the Anzac contingent on Gallipoli only. Birdwood did not prove to be a brilliant commander in this campaign but he was popular with his troops and maintained their morale. Birdwood moved with his Anzac Corps to France in March 1916. When the Corps was split into two in 1917 he took command of I Anzac Corps. Birdwood was promoted to command the British Fifth Army in May 1918, leaving the command of the Australian Corps to Lieutenant General Monash. In 1920 Birdwood toured Australia to great acclaim from his Australian veterans.