 However, instead of preparing his forces for modern warfare, Odlum devoted much time to "extraneous matters" such as regimental brass bands and arm patches.Field Marshal Sir Alan Brooke, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff (the professional head of the British Army), thought him a "political general", and was prompted to write to General Andrew McNaughton that Odlum was "too old...too set...to adapt his ideas" for the war.In order to remove him from command, Odlum was appointed the High Commissioner to Australia from 1941 to 1942, and from 1942 to 1946, he was the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to China.