A Kut Prisoner

A young sub‑altern from the Indian Army Reserve finds himself thrust from a quiet training post in India onto the raging banks of the Tigris, where the British 6th Division is pressing forward against the Ottoman forces. The narrative captures the grueling river trek, the cramped steamers, and the stark contrast between the dusty, cramped town of Kut and the bustling military camps that line the waterway. Early combat at Ctesiphon and the looming threat of Turkish attacks set a tense backdrop for his first taste of war.

When the garrison finally surrenders, the officer becomes one of the infamous Kut prisoners, sharing the cramped conditions, scarce rations, and the constant uncertainty of captivity. His recollections convey both the hardship of daily life under guard and the quiet determination that fuels his hope of freedom. The memoir offers a vivid, personal glimpse into a little‑known front of the Great War, preserving the voices of those who endured it.