Battles on the Tigris
"In 1914, the British expedition to Mesopotamia set out with the modest ambition of protecting the oil concession in Southern Persia but, after numerous misfortunes, ended up capturing Baghdad and northern towns in Iraq. Initially the mission was successful in seizing Basra but the British, under Generals Nixon and Townshend, found themselves drawn north, becoming besieged by the Turks at Kut. After various failed relief attempts, the British surrendered to the Turks and the many prisoners suffered appalling indignities and hardship, culminating in a death march to Turkey. In 1917, General Maude was appointed Commander-in-Chief but, as usual in Iraq, policy kept changing. Hopes that the Russians would come into the war were dashed by the Revolution. Operations were further frustrated by the hottest of summers. Fighting against the Turks continued right up to the Armistice ... [The author] ... exposes the scandalous levels of incompetence including outrageously poor medical arrangements; the post-war Commission of Inquiry was highly critical of numerous individuals and the mismanagement of this unhappy campaign"--Jacket
Print Book, English, 2006
Pen & Sword Military, Barnsley, 2006