The 6th (Poona) Division of the Indian Army, under Major-General Charles Townshend, had fallen back to the town of Kut after retreating from Ctesiphon.
The British Empire forces arrived at Kut around 3 December 1915.
They had suffered significant losses, numbering only 11,000 soldiers (plus cavalry).
General Townshend chose to stay and hold the position at Kut instead of continuing the march downriver towards Basra.
Contained within a long river loop, Kut offered a good defensive position although supply lines from distant Basra were stretched.
The 6th (Poona) Division of the Indian Army, under Major-General Charles Townshend, had fallen back to the town of Kut after retreating from Ctesiphon. The British Empire forces arrived at Kut around 3 December 1915. They had suffered significant losses, numbering only 11,000 soldiers (plus cavalry). General Townshend chose to stay and hold the position at Kut instead of continuing the march downriver towards Basra. Contained within a long river loop, Kut offered a good defensive position although supply lines from distant Basra were stretched.
Siege of Kut