<– Part 37 – April 11, 1915  | Part 38 – April 18, 1915 |  Part 39 – April 25, 1915 –>

Mesopotamian campaign

The British defenders of Shaiba, protecting the way to recently-captured Basra, 6,000 strong, came under assault by an Ottoman force three times their number April 12, although only 4,000 of the 18,000 Turks are regulars. A 5am bombardment, with Ottoman probing of British barbed wire that night, failed to dislodge the British forces. The following day, alternating thrusts and counter-thrusts were unsuccessful for either side until a British attack late in the day completely routed the 14,000 Arab irregulars, who refused to participate in the battle further. Finally, April 14, the British left their positions in search of the withdrawing Ottomans and fought them most of the day. The Turks held their line until early evening when a British bayonet charged forced the Turks to retreat. The Ottomans suffered 2,500 casualties to the British 1,500.