Geoffrey Armstrong Buddle

Geoffrey Armstrong Buddle studied at University of California, Berkeley. The recorded working language is English. Employment is recorded with Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira. Work by Geoffrey Armstrong Buddle is recorded in the collections of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira. Distinctions recorded are Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross.

• Name — Geoffrey Armstrong Buddle • Born — 16 September 1887 • Died — 9 June 1951 (Aged 63) • Birthplace — Auckland, New Zealand • Allegiance — United Kingdom • Branch — British Army • Service Years — 1915–1926 • Rank — Major • Unit — Royal Engineers (86 Field Company) • Battles — * World War I • Gallipoli campaign • Western Front • Awards — * Distinguished Service Order • Military Cross • Other Work — * Ornithologist • photographer

After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, Buddle was working in England as an engineer at the outbreak of World War I. He joined the Royal Engineers, taking part in the Gallipoli Campaign and travelling to the Western Front (the Somme and Arras). He was awarded a "for distinguished service in connection with military operations in France and Flanders" (awarded for bridge-building under fire). He was seriously gassed, which led to long-term health problems. • Illustration — Buddle in the 1930s

Buddle was Acting Ornithologist at Auckland Museum while the curator was away on war service between 1943 and 1945. Buddle continued as Associate Ornithologist from 1945 until his death. His notebook, diary, correspondence and photographic collection are held by the museum. He also took part in the solar-eclipse expedition to Canton Island on 8 June 1937, on which he collected specimens for the museum (among them invertebrates and birds).

Buddle built a scientific collection between 1890 and the 1940s consisting of 461 eggs and 41 other assorted items, and gave it to the Auckland War Memorial Museum in stages between 1931 and 1951. The collection contains specimens from the Subantarctic, mainland New Zealand, Stewart Island, Kermadec Islands, and Kanton Island (part of the Phoenix Islands in the Republic of Kiribati). Because of its size and scope, the collection provides important historical breeding records of birds, and is rated one of the most important bird collections in that museum.