Thomas Blamey - First World War

First World War

Following the outbreak of the First World War, Blamey was transferred to the War Office, where he worked in the Intelligence Branch preparing daily summaries for the King and Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener. Fully trained staff officers were rare and valuable in the Australian Army, and while still in Britain, Blamey was appointed to the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF) as General Staff Officer, Grade 3 (Intelligence), on the staff of Major General William Bridges' 1st Division. As such, he reported to the 1st Division's GSO1, Lieutenant Colonel Brudenell White. In November 1914 Blamey sailed for Egypt with Colonel Harry Chauvel, to join the Australian contingent there.