Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) had been ruled by the ailing Ottoman empire since the sixteenth century; yet the Anglo-Persian Oil Company had obtained exclusive rights to petroleum deposits throughout the Persian Empire, and had been contracted to supply the British Navy with oil. Britain was keen to protect the area around Abadan (modern day Iran) and had already sent forces there prior to declaring war on the Ottoman empire. Over the coming years the the British forces moved through the area, occupying cities such as Basra and Baghdad.
After the war local resentment towards the British grew. They had been led to believe that expulsion of the Ottoman rulers would lead to greater independence and autonomy for the area, when in fact it resulted instead in British occupation. The Iraq Revolt of 1920 was a direct consequence of this, and unrest in the middle east continues to this day.
By 120 AD, the Roman Empire had reached its peak and had marched deep into the alien conditions of Mesopotamia and Arabia. This is a rare part of Roman history in that it is rarely considered by historians, even though it is one of the most interesting periods. – Very Highly Recommended
Read the full review [link=http://reviews.firetrench.com/roman-conquests-mesopotamia-arabia/]here[/link]
Firetrench
By 120 AD, the Roman Empire had reached its peak and had marched deep into the alien conditions of Mesopotamia and Arabia. This is a rare part of Roman history in that it is rarely considered by historians, even though it is one of the most interesting periods. – Very Highly Recommended
Read the full review [link=http://reviews.firetrench.com/roman-conquests-mesopotamia-arabia/]here[/link]
Firetrench
Although initially a successful invasion, despite evidence of stiffening Turkish resistance and inadequate supply lines the Expeditionary Force was disastrously ordered to advance on Baghdad under the command of the ambitious, capable but flawed Major General Charles Townshend. After a pyrrhic victory at Ctesiphon in November 1915 the British were forced to withdraw to Kut. After a five month siege Townshend had little option but to surrender due to heavy losses and inadequate supplies. Such was the humiliation and loss of life that the British Parliament ordered a Mesopotamia Commission to be set up. This attributed responsibility and blame to the toxic combination of incompetent leadership and wholesale military misjudgement. This fine book re-examines the circumstances and personalities that brought about the disastrous and costly outcome to a classic example of ‘mission creep’.
Pennant, November 2016
Although initially a successful invasion, despite evidence of stiffening Turkish resistance and inadequate supply lines the Expeditionary Force was disastrously ordered to advance on Baghdad under the command of the ambitious, capable but flawed Major General Charles Townshend. After a pyrrhic victory at Ctesiphon in November 1915 the British were forced to withdraw to Kut. After a five month siege Townshend had little option but to surrender due to heavy losses and inadequate supplies. Such was the humiliation and loss of life that the British Parliament ordered a Mesopotamia Commission to be set up. This attributed responsibility and blame to the toxic combination of incompetent leadership and wholesale military misjudgement. This fine book re-examines the circumstances and personalities that brought about the disastrous and costly outcome to a classic example of ‘mission creep’.
Pennant, November 2016
..... "Captured at Kut" is a fine addition to our understanding of the conflict.
A remarkable work and one that i heartily recommend.
The Long Long Trail
..... "Captured at Kut" is a fine addition to our understanding of the conflict.
A remarkable work and one that i heartily recommend.
The Long Long Trail
