This edited diary is Colonel Bill Spackman's extraordinary personal record of his experiences as the Medical Officer of an Indian Infantry battalion during the Mesopotamian Campaign 1914-1916. In particular he describes the harrowing events of the five month siege of Kut an, after the surrender of the 10,000 strong garrison in April 1916, the hardships of the 1,000 mile forced march to Anatolia in Turkey. As a doctor he witnessed at first hand suffering and deaths of many POWs, both British and Indian. The book goes on to record life in Turkish captivity which was relatively relaxed and fortunately, in sharp contrast to their earlier experiences. Written with humourous understatement and infinite good sense Captured at Kut: Prisoner of the Turks is a gripping read and will appeal strongly not just to great War enthusiasts but all who enjoy reading of the triumph of men over extreme adversity. AUTHOR: Born in 1889 Colonel William (Bill) Spackman was educated at Birmingham University and St Bartholomew's Hospital before entering the Indian Medical Service in 1913. His wartime service is the subject of this book. After release from Turkish captivity, he married and specialized in tropical medicine. Elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Gynecologists he held numerous senior medical appointments in India until 1945. Thereafter he worked for the Allied Relief Commission in Italy and as a consultant locum in England and Ireland. He died in 1975. SELLING POINTS: Remarkable contemporary account of the siege of Kut (1915-16) and the 1000 miles forced march of British and Indian POWs into captivity. A story of extreme hardship, fortitude and courage. Unique diary records and photographs. Throws new light on a little known but disastrous episode of the Great War. 16 pages b/w plates
