The Battalion embarked at Karachi on October 31st as part of the 30th Indian Infantry Brigade, under Major-General C. J. Melliss, V.C., which comprised the 24th Punjabis, 126th Baluchistan Infantry, and 2/7th Gurkha Rifles. The Brigade disembarked at Suez and took over the defence of the Little Bitter Lake-Suez Section of the Suez Canal, on which the Battalion found various posts with Headquarters at Suez. On the Turks threatening attack the whole Battalion took up position on the canal banks. Beyond one or two very small actions and one reconnaissance by two companies into the desert, no fighting took place in this sector. [Sidenote: 1915.] On March 13th the 28th Brigade relieved the 30th, which concentrated at Suez for embarkation. The Brigade sailed from Suez on March 22nd, and great disappointment was felt that it was sailing southwards instead of northwards to France, as had been expected. On April 7th the Battalion arrived at Basra and went into camp at Makina, where the Brigade was concentrating as part of the newly-formed 12th Division. On April 12th the Brigade attempted to reinforce the garrison of Shaiba by wading through mud and water across the inundated country between Zobeir Gate and Old Basra but, owing to the farther bank being strongly held by the enemy, was ordered to retire when half-way across. Several attempts to cross by bellum were made, but priority had to be given to urgently required ammunition and rations, so the Battalion remained in bivouac at Zobeir Gate. Detachments were provided to protect the bellum convoys and drive off hostile craft. After Shaiba the Battalion returned to Makina Camp and a few days later embarked for Ahwaz, and joined the concentration of the 12th Division, under Major-General Gorringe, at Sabeh on April 28th. After very hot and waterless marches, the Division arrived at Illah on the Karkheh river on May 7th. The Turks were found to have retired, but it was necessary to punish the Beni Turuf tribe of Arabs. The river was found to be about 300 yards broad and the bridging material insufficient, so a flying bridge and canvas boats were improvised and, thanks greatly to the exertions of many swimmers of the 66th and 76th, all men, stores and animals were eventually landed on the far bank. [Sidenote: Khafajiyeh.]