Report on Attack

2nd Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment
Report of Attack on Turk's Entrenchments on 24-7-1915

The orders (Verbal) given to the Battalion were for Nos 1 and 3 Double Companies to the attack from trench A.B.1 on the right, 3 directing right with their left on the River Bank, each in three lines viz.Scouts --- then 1 Platoon—then 3 platoons. The remained Double Companies under Major Kitson were to come into advance trench immediately it was vacated by 1 and 3, ready to support attack when required. No 2 behind No 1,  4 behind No 3 next River. No other orders were given but it was pointed out that after carrying trenches, to ensure through success 1 and 2 would have to swing to their right so that they might enfilade enemy’s trenches towards Towers M and N and so facilitate capture of that flank.

2.            Bombardment opened punctually at 5am. About 5.20am scouts crept over parapet and went forward to margin of wood behind C.D.E vide (sketch). At 5.30am No1 and 3 Double Companies commenced advance and reached the line C.D.E… There they were held up and, as enemy’s fire seemed stronger than our own, the remained 2 Double Companies were called up. The reinforcing Companies gave fresh impetus to the leading line  and carried them forward.

In the open, from the left of D to E, they could not make much ground, but on the extreme left opposite C, Major Kitson led portions of 3 and 4 right into enemies right flank trench and carried it. A few moments afterwards the whole line swept forward and reached the trenches. One Double Company, the 90^th, we're close behind Nos 1 & 2 and took part in the close fighting in the trenches. The bannett was brought into play in a few cases but as a rule the enemy were either shot down at a few yards distance or, on throwing down their arms, were taken prisoner. End of first Phase.

After carrying trenches Nos 1 & 2 swang to their rights and advanced in enfilade of enemies trenches towards Tower M and N. Nos 3 & 4 past straight on following the line of the river. Both were held up:- No 1 and 2 at the Tower --- Nos 3 and 4 just behind Thorney Croft Corner. Reinforced by portions of 67^th and 90^th the line, thus strengthened, broke down enemies opposition and reached the Niyadiyah Creek beyond which enemy retired and a halt was called.

3^rd Phase.

On resumption of advance, when nearing Sabanawiyah creek, the 67^th lead the way and attacked woods to N.N.East. My Battalion was ordered to come in on their left. By the time we had deployed and advanced a short distance the enemy were again on the run. The border of the Sabanawiyah creek was reached with loss to my battalion of only one man wounded. Operations then ceased.

Further remarks.

                Strength of Battalion going into action on line A.B. (excluding Machine Gunners and others Who did not advance from extension trench, reserve ammunition party and a few others on Guard and other duties) was Officers 17, Other Ranks 470. Casualties 6 Officers and about 150 Other Ranks or roughly 33%. No 1 Company Offered much more severely than others viz 41%, as they came under cross fire on reaching trenches and met very stubborn opposition at Towers M.N.

Nasiriyah                                                             S.P. Culley
28 – 7 – 15                                                          Commanding 2^nd, Bn, Royal West Kent Regiment