ABSTRACT
In terms of Sir William Bridges’ tactical direction of his division, the judgment which can be made on the basis of his three weeks on James Gallipoli suggests he was a resourceful, forceful and determined commander. Bridges owed his position at the pinnacle of Australia’s defence establishment in 1914 to his proven capacity as an administrator. In essence, Bridges’ academic demeanour and turn of mind seemed to fit him for the army’s more cerebral posts, such as Chief of Intelligence or superintendent of the nation’s principal military educational institution, and he was widely respected for his knowledge of military matters. The Australian government decided, however, that it desired a local commander for the force and promoted Bridges to the rank of major-general on 15 August when confirming him as head of the Australian Imperial Force. During the nine months in which he commanded the 1st Division before his death, Bridges’ performance largely confirmed expectations as to his style of command.
