In a great crescent, nearly four
miles long, they followed the retiring troops. A brisk skirmish began at
about 800 yards. Both batteries came into action, each firing about 90
shells. The Royal West Kent Regiment made good shooting with their Lee-
Metford rifles. All the battalions of the brigade were engaged. The
enemy, whose strength was estimated to be over 3000, lost heavily, and
drew off at 2.30, when the force returned to camp. Sir Bindon Blood and
his staff watched the operations and reconnoitered the valley. The
casualties were as follows:--
Royal West Kent--dangerously wounded, 1.
Guides Cavalry--wounded, 2.
31st Punjaub Infantry--killed, 1; wounded, 5.
Guides Infantry--wounded, 3.
38th Dogras--killed, 1; wounded, 3.
Total casualties, 16.
The next day the Highland Light Infantry and the field guns arrived. The
former marched in over 700 strong, and made a fine appearance. They were
nearly equal in numbers to any two battalions in the brigade. Sickness
and war soon reduce the fighting strength.
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