NAM.1986-11-43-4

Transcript of Lt Henry Curtis Gallup's diary, 3 Dec 1915-10 Mar 1917, of the Siege of Kut, and his journey from there to Yozgad via Baghdad after the town's fall to the Turks. The Siege of Kut began on 6 December and Gallup left hospital on the 11th. Gallup describes how during heavy rains, the force relieving Gallup's engaged in attacks with the Turks, the quality of the rations deteriorated, and bombing began by a German plane. He noted the weakness of the Indian troops as a result of their refusal to eat horse meat. After Aymler's second attack on 8 March is repulsed, the Turks demanded Townshend's surrender, which was refused. Gallup notes the steady reduction in rations, the contents of Townshend's comminiques, and the poor tactics of the relieving force, now commanded by Gorringe. On pp 66-67, there are statistical tables of the strength of the garrison. Townshend surrendered on 29 April. Gallup describes his trip as a prisoner of war to Baghdad and from here to Yozgad, where over 100 officers were crammed into two houses. He describes his life as a prisoner of war, the arrival of mail, issue of money via the US Embassy, and the inundation of Red Cross representatives with their complaints. At the end of the volume are extracts from two doctor's reports on the appalling conditions of many Indian and British troops, and eight extracts from evidence given by soldiers describing their experiences during their journeys to captivity. Associated with the Siege of Kut, World War One, Mesopotamia (1914-1918).

Kut, Siege of, 1915-16 (World War One, Mesopotamia 1914-1918)