The first momentum of this ponderous onslaught fell upon the right of
the 86th Brigade, an unlucky spot, seeing all the officers thereabouts
had already been killed or wounded. So when the Turks came right on
without firing and charged into the trenches with the bayonet they made
an ugly gap in the line. This gap was instantly filled by the 5th Royal
Scots (Territorials), who faced to their flank and executed a brilliant
bayonet charge against the enemy, and by the Essex Regiment detached
for the purpose by the Officer Commanding 88th Brigade. The rest of
the British line held its own with comparative ease, and it was not
found necessary to employ any portion of the reserve. The storm next
broke in fullest violence against the French left, which was held by
the Senegalese. Behind them were two British Field Artillery Brigades
and a Howitzer Battery. After several charges and counter-charges
the Senegalese began to give ground, and a company of the Worcester
Regiment and some gunners were sent forward to hold the gap. Later,
a second company of the Worcester Regiment was also sent up, and the
position was then maintained for the remainder of the night, although
about 2 a.m. it was found necessary to dispatch one battalion Royal
Naval Division to strengthen the extreme right of the French.