Major General William

Throsby Briges

Willam was Scottish born, Briges emigrated to Sydney with his parents in the year 1879, When WW1 had broke out, William already amassed over two decades in military service and experience. William was first chief of the Australian general staff in 1909 and by 1911 he had opened the Royal Military College in Duntroon. WW1, I had exploded, everyone was getting involved on a global scale. William Briges was tasked with the formation of on Australian contingent to send to Europe.

Subsequently, the AIF (Australian Imperial Force was born and Briges was the commander of the 1st division. The 1st Devision was the first to storm Anzac Cove, Briges foresaw the danger and demanded the evacuation of his men because he knew the oncoming slaughter.

The AIF wasn't evacuated, they stayed, and William Bridges made regular trips to the front firing lines, knowing the risks. Those risks would become a reality on May 15th Bridges was shot by a Turkish sniper and the bullet penetrated the femoral artery. Bridges died three days latter on a hospital ship where he was being treated. Bridges body made the journey back to Australia for his final resting place at Duntroon.

A quote from a professor at the Duntroon College: "Duntroon College is Briges... and something of that man still lingers in those old stone."