Papers concerning the Treatment of British Prisoners of War at Kut [‎7r] (13/62)

The following unpleasant occurrences have been
reported:- On the march of British and Indian prisoners from
AZIZIEH to BAGHDAD any unfortunate men who fell out were shot
through the head.
Three British and four Indian soldiers were seen hy one
man to he murdered in this way. During the same march a British
soldier who fell out on the roadside exhausted asked for a drink
of water. A n Arab took up several handsful of dust, with which
he filled his mouth and nose. The man subsequent!;/ died.
The 5th Division marched from SAMMARAH in detachments.
Any stragglers, whether British or Indian, were rudely pushed on,
the Arab guards using the butts of their rifles freely, ^one wer
seen to have been killed. Many died of sickness en route.
Captain EKETZ, B.A.M.C. on one occasion complained
to a Turkish Officer that rations for the sick were insufficient.
The Turkish Officer in reply spat' in his face.
On the 1st December, 1915, at AZIZIEH, a barge loaded
with British and Indian troops fell into the hand of the enemy;
being aground this barge was boarded by Arabs, who took all the
money and valuables procurable from both British and Indians.
Indians were otherwise left unmolested, but British
soldiers were stripped absolutely naked. Anyone resisting was
killed by the sword. 10 men died in this manner.
At TEKRIT, which is two marches towards MOSUL from
SAMARRAH, there was a Hospital for British and Indian soldiers.
The arrangements here were very bad, and there was practically no
supervision. Anyone going for water or appearing outside his
hut was called a Kafir and stoned by the Arabs.
Captain Arthur, I.M.S. attached 7th Rajputs, was with
this Hospital and eventually managed to have it broken up,
one-half returning to SA1IARRAH and one-half being sent to MOSUL.
He himself accompanied the latter.
Indian soldiers complain of their rations. The
following