But owing to some defect in exploration of the coast-line, the movement was not so carried out; six battalions out of the eight were landed on the south of the bay and were attached to the right-hand force.

Thus, in the actual operations Sir Bryan Mahon had under his command only two battalions of his own men.
The remaining six operated under the command of the divisional general of the Eleventh Division, who delegated the conduct of the actual attack to one of his brigadiers.

It is sufficient to say that immediately after the action both these officers were relieved of their commands.

The same fate befell the corps commander under whose directions this wing of the concerted movement was placed.
In face of these facts it would be absurd to deny that the troops were badly handled.

They suffered terribly from thirst, and the suffering was in large measure preventible.