Letter from General Birdwood to Walter Cass, 1916 October 18

Sent from the 1st Anzac Corps, France. It reads: 'My dear Cass, a line to tell you that I have recommended to the Defence Minister that you shall return to Australia for a term of duty there. I had a telegram from him a day or two ago telling me that he was very anxious to send out a certain number of A. and I. staff officers who had not yet had a chance of seeing any fighting, to be replaced by men to be sent from here. Among those to go I have thought it best to send in your name, and you will I am sure realise I have done this, not for any failing on your part, but because I honestly think you will be all the better for the rest and change, as I know what a real hard trial you had of it in July, and General Howse has told me how essential a quieter time is for you. With all kind regards. Yours sincerely, W. R. Birdwood.'