Battles on the Tigris: The Mesopotamian Campaign of the First World War

by Ron Wilcox

Overview

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 and the prisoners suffered appalling indignities and hardship, culminating in a death march to Turkey.

In 1917 General Maude was appointed CinC 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 conduct of the Campaign was subject to a Commission of Inquiry which was highly critical of numerous individuals and the administrative arrangements.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526781697
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	11/20/2020
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Born in London, Ron Wilcox was educated at Goudhurst School, Kent before serving in the Royal Army Education Corps during his National Service. He attended Queen's University, Belfast from 1959 to 1962 gaining a BA in Archaeology. After several years' research he was awarded a PhD. He-pursued a career in archaeology both as an excavator and teacher, writing various books and articles. In 2005 his book The Poplars was published by the East London History Society.

Table of Contents

List of Maps vi

Acknowledgements for Illustrations and Maps viii

General Acknowledgements ix

Chapter 1 Small Beginnings 1

Chapter 2 Ambition is Stirred 9

Chapter 3 Townshend's Regatta 27

Chapter 4 The Repulse at Ctesiphon 44

Chapter 5 The Medical Scandal 69

Chapter 6 The Beginning of the Siege 77

Chapter 7 Attempts at Relief 98

Chapter 8 The Surrender of Kut 122

Chapter 9 A Nightmare Journey 132

Chapter 10 The Capture of Baghdad 143

Chapter 11 Advances in the North 167

Chapter 12 Dunsterville 187

Chapter 13 The End of the Campaign 209

Chapter 14 Consequences 220

Chapter 15 Aftermath 229

Bibliography 237

Index 239