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. Reinforcements were received at Amarah, and Lieut.-Colonel Smithett rejoined and took command. [Sidenote: First Battle of Kut.]