Battles & Campaigns · 1918
Battle of Sharqat
Al-Shirqat, Iraq
What happened
An Anglo-Indian force marched north from Baghdad along the Tigris. The Ottoman force fell back to Al-Shirqat, where Cobbe attacked on 29 October. The next morning British cavalry captured the Ottoman guns on a hill, and İsmail Hakkı Bey surrendered.
Why it matters
It was the last battle fought in Iraq during the First World War. Knowing that peace talks were under way at Mudros, the Ottoman commander chose to spare his men.
What came next
The Armistice of Mudros took effect the next day, and British cavalry occupied Mosul on 1 November 1918.
Did you know?
The ancient Assyrian city of Ashur lies in the same district as Al-Shirqat.
Timeline
- 23 Oct 1918British and Indian troops leave Baghdad.
- 29 Oct 1918Cobbe attacks at Sharqat.
- 30 Oct 1918İsmail Hakkı Bey surrenders; Armistice of Mudros signed.
- 1 Nov 1918British cavalry occupy Mosul.