Alexander Godley New Zealand general. Date of Birth: 04.02.1867 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Military Education
2. Service in the Boer War and Aldershot
3. Command in New Zealand and the First World War
4. Gallipoli and the ANZAC Corps
5. Post-War Service

Early Life and Military Education

Alexander John Godley, a New Zealand general, was born as the son of an English army captain. He graduated from the Royal Military College, Sandhurst in 1885 and was commissioned into the Dublin Fusiliers.

Service in the Boer War and Aldershot

In 1896, Godley became an adjutant to the Highland Light Infantry at Aldershot Camp. He subsequently volunteered for service in South Africa with the Mountain Regiment. After returning to England in 1897, he attended the Staff College in Camberley and participated in operations during the Anglo-Boer War. From 1900, he served with the Irish Guards in Aldershot.

Command in New Zealand and the First World War

In 1910, Lord Kitchener appointed Godley to strengthen the military training of New Zealand forces. As Commander of the New Zealand Defence Forces, he enhanced their preparedness and prepared them for integration into the British military. In August 1914, Godley led 8,500 New Zealand troops to Egypt.

Gallipoli and the ANZAC Corps

During the Gallipoli Campaign, Godley distinguished himself as a brave commander. He subsequently joined the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) under General W. Birdwood and deployed to the Western Front. In 1916, he was appointed commander of the 11th ANZAC Corps and participated in the Third Battle of Ypres.

Post-War Service

After the war, Godley commanded the New Zealand Expeditionary Force until 1919. He then served as part of the occupation forces in the Rhineland and later as Military Secretary at the War Office. In 1922, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the British Army of the Rhine. From 1928, he served as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar until his retirement.