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

90308543 Ypres1.Edit
7 July 2026

One of Haig’s omissions? 38th (Welsh) Division at Mametz Wood, July 1916

Read more
Alternative With Lots Of Space For Text (1)
4 July 2026

Exploring the estate: meanings of the architecture and horticulture of the IWGC

Read more
Smith Thumb
27 June 2026

Identifying William Smith M.M. – a 25 year search

Read more
Gemini Generated Image Gg9hb7gg9hb7gg9h (1)
19 June 2026

Salonika 1915-1918: The British Way in Warfare

Read more
Bath War Hospital Ward No.10
18 June 2026

‘He did his duty: Now at rest’

Read more