Section 177. THE BATTLE OF KASSASSIN. V.

The Infantry there⁠[1] had indeed had a hot time of it⁠[2]. Hundreds of shells had (S. 29, N. 3) burst in the confined⁠[3] space, and the shelter trenches⁠[4] afforded but an insufficient protection. On the left of the position⁠[5], next to the Canal, were⁠[6] the Marine Artillery, then came the 46th, and next⁠[7] to them the 84th⁠[8], the⁠[9] slight earthworks sweeping round again in a semi-circle almost to the Canal. The Mounted⁠[10] Infantry were in front under Captain Pigott, who⁠[11] has received a wound, having been shot through the thigh.

The Egyptians came on with great bravery, and in spite of the⁠[12] heavy like of our men⁠[13], were rapidly gaining ground, and would soon have rushed⁠[14] into the entrenchments, when the roar of our guns on⁠[15] their left rear, followed⁠[16] by the rush of our Cavalry, proved⁠[17] too much for them, and from (S. 102, N. 4) that moment they thought only of flight.

Our casualties are surprisingly⁠[18] small considering⁠[19] the fire to which our men were exposed. Lieutenant Edwards, of the Mounted Infantry, was⁠[20] shot in the arm, Surgeon-Major⁠[21] Shaw, of the 46th, was⁠[22] killed, and some ten or a dozen men, but, fortunately, the Remington bullet wounds rather than kills; the hospital was crowded⁠[23] with wounded men.

About 10 o’clock the Cavalry came in⁠[24] in high spirits over their brilliant achievement. Many, of course, are missing in the darkness, but will, no doubt, turn up⁠[25] in the morning. Upon their⁠[26] return from the pursuit they⁠[27] were unable to find the guns over which they had charged, but these⁠[28] will doubtless be discovered at sunrise. After learning from them⁠[29] the events⁠[30] of the charge, I⁠[31] started to ride here to get off⁠[32] my despatches,—a⁠[33] distance of twenty-four miles. This solitary ride over the dismal desert by moonlight was not⁠[34] the least exciting part of an exciting day.

Late⁠[35] as it was, I found at (auf) the different posts the men⁠[36] busy at work entrenching, and met troops also on⁠[37] their march to reinforce those at the front.

The enemy’s force⁠[38] engaged was estimated at 13,000. The Egyptians fought well until our Cavalry and guns took⁠[39] them in the rear, and, had⁠[40] it not been for the gallantry of the defenders of Kassassin, would⁠[41] have carried the position before our reinforcements came upon the scene.

At⁠[42] the time I left, the losses were unknown, but were⁠[43] supposed to be about twenty killed and a hundred wounded.

As⁠[44] I am writing, Sir Garnet Wolseley and⁠[45] the entire army are marching to the front.—The Correspondent of the London “Standard.”