On 15 December 1915 a British expeditionary force was besieged by a strong German-led Turkish army at Kut Al Amara on the Tigris River. The garrison, two thirds of which was Indian, surrendered on 29 April 1916. During the ensuing period of captivity in Anatolia many died from heat, disease and neglect. These emaciated men were photographed after they had been liberated during an exchange of prisoners.