by John Marshall

“ A desperate conflict ensued; the Arabs fought like furies, but they were soon bayoneted; nearly all of them, ninety in number, were found lying in the trenches. They had divested themselves of their upper garments to facilitate their onset, and their bodies seemed anointed with oil.
“It being found that our 12 and 18-pounders produced but a slight impression on the walls and towers, while the enemy availed themselves of our own shot to annoy us greatly, as they fitted exactly the calibre of their guns, it was resolved that several 24-pounders should be erected as a breaching battery. ”

“ The first line of trenches having been made by means of sand-bags, an advanced battery opened on the place, at the distance of three hundred yards. A mortar battery to the right was served very effectively. There was a gun from one of the enemy’s batteries which enfiladed the trenches, whilst we could get none of our artillery to bear on it. It did considerable execution among the men. Major Molesworth, of the 47th, mounted the parapet of the trench, to reconnoitre more minutely, and to ascertain how that formidable gun could be silenced. ”

“ It was not a little vexatious to be saluted with a ‘Good night’ by several parties in succession as they quitted the trenches, with the prospect of comparative comfort in the camp, whilst the poor devils left behind had to pass the time as they best could.
“The firing from the ships and batteries still continued on the 6th; that of the Arabs was very faintly returned and ill-directed. They evidently did not possess the requisite and proper materials of ammunition; large stone shot came hailing in upon us, but often wide of the mark. ”

“ During the day, the remainder of the army landed, and parties of seamen were sent on shore to assist in the erection of the batteries.
“Ras-al-Khyma appeared of considerable extent; the buildings large and flat-roofed; the fortifications in good repair, with high walls built of mud and stone, and flanked by heavy ramparts. It stood upon a sandy peninsula, the isthmus of which was defended by a well flanked battery, whilst the line towards the sea was fortified throughout the space of one mile and a quarter by batteries mounting only one gun each, ranged at regular intervals. ”

“ About 100 seamen were assembled in the trenches; to draw them up in line was out of the question – all life and talk and drollery. Col. Elrington and the gallant 47th, with the grenadier and flank companies of the other regiments, composed the party appointed to storm. On a signal being given, the whole rushed from the trenches in sight of the enemy, and advanced rapidly towards the breach; the enemy disappeared from the walls on our approach. The breach was soon mounted, and the place was entered; not a man disputed the entrance, not an Arab was visible. ”