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