On the 6th the force proceeded up river and formed camp at Asani, about three miles below the Turkish main position covering Nasariyeh. From here reconnaissances were made and outposts pushed forward, and continual sniping took place on both sides. The heat was intense, and all ranks were exposed day and night to the elements and every sort of mosquito and biting insect, there being no tents or cover of any kind by day or night.
On the night of July 13th-14th an attack was ordered to establish a forward position on the right bank. Accordingly Major Rybot’s double company, supported by a company of the 48th Pioneers, attacked and rushed Shakair, killing most of the garrison and occupying the village. At the same time the remainder of the Battalion occupied a grove called “Sixteen Palms” without opposition, except for snipers, on the right bank, and the 48th Pioneers entrenched the position. Our losses at Shakair were 2nd-Lieutenant Hathorn, Indian Army Reserve of Officers, and 1 sepoy killed, 7 men wounded.
Throughout the 14th the enemy retaliated with gun and rifle fire, but the forward positions were maintained. Subadar Neki Ram was wounded at Shakair during the morning. Till the 23rd preparations were continued for the assault, enemy sniping being continuous.
Nasariyeh.
The orders for the attack on July 24th were as follows:—The 12th Brigade to assault the enemy position on the left bank after an intense bombardment, supported by part of the 18th Brigade. On the position being taken they were to swing round and enfilade the enemy’s position on the right bank behind the Medijinah Creek, which would then be assaulted by the 30th Brigade, supported by one battalion of the 18th Brigade, and covered by the artillery. The 30th Brigade was to assault as follows:—1/4th Hampshire Regiment (only 150 strong) and 2/7th Gurkhas would advance from the “Sixteen Palms”—Shakair line, covered by the fire of the 24th Punjabis and massed machine guns. The 76th, in support, to advance simultaneously a thousand yards in rear of the Hampshire Regiment and 2/7th Gurkhas.
At 5.30 a.m., on the 24th, the artillery bombardment began on the left bank and continued for three-quarters of an hour, when the 12th Brigade assaulted, and, after severe hand-to-hand fighting, carried the position. At 7 a.m. the 30th Brigade began their advance under shell- and heavy rifle-fire from the enemy trenches. The ground being absolutely devoid of cover, casualties were heavy. A barge had meanwhile been jammed across the mouth of the Medijinah Creek. This barge carried parties of Sappers and Miners and Pioneers with bridging material and reserve ammunition. Work was started on two foot bridges over the creek within 200 yards of the enemy trenches. The artillery bombardment continued until the Hampshire Regiment and Gurkhas and 76th had worked their way up to the bank of the creek. The water was found to be only waist deep, the flow having been stopped by the barge. At about 10 a.m. a charge was initiated and the enemy’s position entered. After some hand-to-hand fighting, the whole of the position was in our hands, the enemy streaming across the plain, pursued by our fire. The supporting battalion of the 18th Brigade now passed through and took up the pursuit, while the 30th Brigade reformed and followed closely after it. The enemy did not stand in his second position, and was driven out of a third position on the bank of the river in the evening. The 30th Brigade bivouacked on his third position.
The Turks left in our hands 17 guns, numerous rifles, quantities of ammunition and stores. The enemy losses were 700 killed, 740 wounded, and 200 wounded prisoners. The Battalion lost Lieutenants Darell and McElwaine, and Subadar-Major Ajab Khan wounded, 6 rank and file killed, and 55 wounded out of about 300 engaged, the 30th Brigade losing 200 out of a strength of 900. The total British casualties were 564.
Nasariyeh was occupied on the 25th without further opposition. During these operations from June 26th to July 25th the Battalion had lost:—British officers: 1 killed, 5 wounded. Indian officers: 2 killed, 4 wounded. Rank and file: 21 killed and 123 wounded. Sick: approximately 70. The following decorations were subsequently awarded:—Distinguished Service Order, 1; Military Cross, 1; Indian Order of Merit, 7; Indian Distinguished Service Medal, 19.
The month of August was spent in bivouac at Nasariyeh resting, only a few outposts being found by the Battalion.
At the end of the month, the 30th Brigade, less the 1/4th Hampshire Regiment, was moved by water to Amarah to join the 6th Division in their advance up the Tigris.