NAM.1967-07-19-22

Lett’s No 35 Colonial Rough Diary, 1909. From a collection of 1414 papers of FM William, Lord Birdwood, relating chiefly to his career in the Indian Army, 1882-1930. At the start of the year Birdwood was in Calcutta, leaving it on 12 February for a twelve day tour to Dacca. This was followed by a month’s tiger shooting from 29 March to 29 April. He recorded on 9 July Kitchener’s acceptance of the request from the Prime Minister of Australia for his advice on the future of the Commonwealth forces. Kitchener finally left India on 12 September. Birdwood was gazetted Brigadier General on 17 July and on 10 October was appointed to command the Kohat Independent Brigade. He reached Kohat on 13 October and the rest of the year was spent inspecting infantry and participating in sports and field days.