Full dress helmet : Field Marshal Lord Birdwood, Household Cavalry

Field Marshal Lord Birdwood wore this helmet in his position as Colonel of the Regiment, Royal Horse Guards (the Blues). This appointment carried with it the position of “Gold Stick in Waiting”, a traditional bodyguard in the British royal household who served as a personal attendant to the sovereign on ceremonial occasions.

Birdwood’s duties were mainly ceremonial, and involved attending state occasions and taking part in processions for coronations and the opening of Parliament. However, he only held these positions in virtue of the role he had played during the First World War. Birdwood, a British officer, had been appointed to command the ANZAC Corps in Egypt and led it on Gallipoli. It was he who prepared the plan for the landing. Never regarded as an intellectual commander or a great strategist, Birdwood had strengths as a leader. “Birdie” was popular with the men, although he had his critics; some felt his bonhomie was too contrived. To his credit, he worked hard to get the confidence of the Australians.

Birdwood remained with the Australians in France and Belgium, in command of I ANZAC Corps and the Australian Corps until promoted to General Officer Commanding the British Fifth Army in 1918. When he toured Australia after the war, he was warmly greeted by veterans. He received many honours for his war service and was promoted to field marshal in 1925; he died in 1951.