Featured battle : Qurna

Part of First World War

Date : 08 December 1914 - 09 December 1914

After the unopposed occupation of Basra by the Indian Expeditionary Force (IEF) ‘D’ on 21st November 1914, and the securing of the oil pipe line to Ahwaz in Persia, it was found necessary to further secure the area of the oil refinery at Abadan by pushing the Turks further North. Units of 6th Indian Division were ferried north to the junction of the Tigris and Euphrates at Qurna and the Turks were dislodged after a sharp two day action by 17th Bde with support from the Royal Naval river flotilla.

Culloden 1746

Stuart Reid
This book is not simply a guide to the battlefield it does much more. The first six chapters are an excellent account of the development of the battle, chapter seven compares the two armies, their similarities and differences, while the final chapter gives advice and guidance on visiting the battle field today. There is an abundance of photographs and drawings, I particularly like the contemporary sketches of individuals engaged in the battle. The twelve maps of the battlefield, each a double page spread and all on the same template, show the movement of the forces. The map of the battlefield today is also on that template. This is a super idea allowing the reader to make immediate comparisons without having to adjust for scale or displacement.
This, the third edition of this book, has been updated to take in the latest archaeological and documentary discoveries. It remains a slim volume of 156 pages and therefore is of ideal size to slip into a rucksack for a visit to the battlefield.
Whether visiting the battlefield or just wanting to read a straightforward introduction to the battle this book is highly recommended.

Pen & Sword Military. Pen & Sword \Books \Ltd., 2018