'Khanikin 1918', the bridge over the Alwand River at Khanikin, Mesopotamia, 1918

Photograph compiled by Major General Cecil Wotton Toovey (1891-1954), 5th Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment, formerly the 82nd Punjabis, 1918.

The bridge at Khanikin in Mesopotamia (now in the Diyala Governorate of modern Iraq), crossing the Alwand River. The bridge was designed by Wali Isfahani and was built in the 1860s; it is still standing. Russian forces captured Khanikin from Ottoman forces in 1917. The Turks retook the town when the Russian Revolution broke out but were ousted by British forces which occupied the town in December 1917. After its participation in the campaign to capture Baghdad the 82nd Punjabis were deployed to the Persian frontier.

From a photograph album entitled, 'India 1917-1937 - Iraq, Waziristan, NW Frontier, Tank trials, Aden, building Bara Bridge, Indus Ferry', relating to India and Mesopotamia (modern Iraq and Iran), 1915-1939, compiled by Major General Cecil Wotton Toovey, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) and the 82nd Punjabis (later the 5th Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment).

Credit line: 'Son of Major-General Toovey'