Crisis at Kut 1915 - 1916

Published on 23 September 2020
Submitted by Alan Wakefield

This presentation, which was delivered 'live' to an online audience by Alan Wakefield is about the siege and attempted relief of Kut-al-Amara in Mesopotamia.

Prior to the surrender of Singapore in 1942, the loss of the garrison at Kut was the greatest humiliation in modern British military history.

Here Alan Wakefield examines the reasons for the loss of General Charles Townshend's command, including decisions taken by Townshend and his superiors, the composition of the relief force and the performance of Turkish forces in the field.

Crisis at Kut 1915 - 1916
Key benefits of membership

Becoming a member of The Western Front Association (WFA) offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's just three of the benefits we offer:

Online Webinar Icon
Online webinars

The WFA regularly makes available webinars which can be viewed 'live' from home. These feature expert speakers talking about a particular aspect of the Great War.

Iwasthere Icon
I Was There!

Featured on The WFA's YouTube channel are modern day re-interpretations of the inter-war magazine 'I Was There!' which recount the memories of soldiers who 'were there'.

Pensionrecords Icon
Pension records

Explore over 8 million digitized pension records, Medal Index Cards and Ministry of Pension Documents, preserved by the WFA.

Other Articles

Gemini Generated Image 4M6i634m6i634m6i
8 August 2026

The RAF at the Battle of Amiens, 8 - 11 August 1918

Read more
Lewis Gun Drill By 28Th AIF
1 August 2026

Death from the Sky: The 28th Bttn AIF

Read more
Gemini Generated Image Ypxif7ypxif7ypxi (1)
30 July 2026

The New Zealand Division in the Third Battle of Ypres

Read more
Burslem Potteries
25 July 2026

From Burslem to the Somme and the long road to Commemoration

Read more
Walworth(Early20thc)Road Old2,Jpg
21 July 2026

The South London Ghost Stations: Why Five ‘Temporary’ WWI Closures Became Permanent

Read more