Major-General William Bridges was Australia's most senior staff officer at the outbreak of the war. He was put in command of the Anzac First Division. He had been a capable staff officer but found the transition to battlefield commander to be a tough one. He was at least a hands on commander who cared deeply for the welfare of his soldiers. However, it was due to such diligence that he became a casualty of Turkish sniper on 17th May 1915 whilst inspecting his Division's front lines. Unusually, his body was taken back to Australia for burial.
