BATTLE OF KUT-EL-AMARA

The mail from India brings interesting particulars of the important engagement at Kut-el-Amara between the enemy and the British under General Sir J. Nixon. An account published in Bombay says that the Turks numbered 10,000 regulars, with thirty-five guns, and an unknown number of Arab auxiliaries. The enemy had taken up his position on both banks of the Tigris astride the river, and his defences stretched over about six miles on either side. The banks of an old dry canal bed, which was some 100 yards behind the Turkish trenches and works, were utilised by the Turks to shelter their reserves and as supports for high watch-towers, from which the British deployment could be clearly seen. The passage of the river was protected by sunken dhows and barges interlaced with wire, while the approach from down stream was commanded by guns cleverly concealed in chambers dug in the river banks, as well as fire trenches. Marshes on the left bank added to the strength of the position, and the Turkish commander, Nur-ud-din, had utilised the three months in which the Turkish troops had been in occupation to build very serviceable fortifications. In front, says the account, the ground was heavily mined, behind a blind ditch thickly sown with barbed wire, and behind this were the fire trenches. Deep and narrow, loop-holed and with head cover, they were most carefully concealed, and were quite invisible from the front, even at a distance of a few yards. The whole country for twelve miles broad and a mile back was a vast network of underground paths, representing an enormous amount of work, commenced when the Turkish forces on the Tigris had retreated after their defeats at Kurna and Amara.