The Battalion proceeded to Kurna by steamer on June 10th to take part in the 12th Division’s advance up the Euphrates for the capture of Nasariyeh. During the stay in Kurna the heat was intense. The whole brigade was trained daily in boat drill and formations in case this form of warfare should be necessary.
Owing to the insanitary conditions in the Basra bivouac and the heat and mosquitoes in the marshy ground at Kurna, 270 men went down with fever before the Regiment left.
On the 26th the expedition started up the Euphrates in steamers, and crossed the Hammar Lake, where it was held up by the obstruction of the entrance to the Hakika channel. This was eventually blown up by the Sappers and Miners, assisted by swimmers from the Battalion, and the steamers were hauled across by working parties amounting to as many as 600 at a time.
Reconnaissances were made up the Gurma Safah Channel, and the Turkish positions located holding the junction of the Gurma Safah and Euphrates. The country was under water except for a narrow strip on either bank.
On July 4th a short advance was made by the Battalion to a point known as Ati’s House, whence a further reconnaissance was made and outposts pushed forward under the fire of snipers.
The attack was ordered for the 5th, as follows:—The 76th to advance up the left bank, supported by the 24th Punjabis and 30th Mountain Battery in boats in the marsh on its right; 2/7th Gurkha Rifles and 1/4th Hampshire Regiment to advance up the right bank.
Gurma Safah (Sukh-es-Sheyuk).
The advance began at 4 a.m. through thick palm groves and undergrowth, and at once met with opposition which was driven back, until the 2/7th on the other bank were held up by a broad creek, which could not be crossed. The 76th continued their advance now enfiladed by the enemy on the other bank as well as being strongly opposed to their front, until they were held up by the enemy in position behind a strong wall extending from the river to the marsh. Here Lieut.-Colonel Smithett was severely wounded, and Captain Baillie and Lieutenant Graves were also wounded. In addition to other casualties, the whole Machine Gun Section was killed or wounded and the guns damaged.
The 24th now moved up and outflanked the enemy through the marsh, causing him to retire, pursued by half the 76th and the remainder of the 24th, until he reached his final position across the Euphrates, where he surrendered. The remaining four companies of the Battalion were employed in keeping down the fire from the right bank during the pursuit. The casualties of the 76th amounted to 2 Indian officers (Jemadars Nur Khan and Maluka), and 14 men killed, 3 British and 2 Indian officers and 37 men wounded, being about twenty per cent. of the strength engaged, about 150 men having been left in charge of the Battalion’s boats, which did not come into action.