 Complete the following phrase:  By 15 February Turkish resistance in the river bend collapsed. The British force then forced a crossing over the Tigris the Second Battle of Kut, 23 February and by 24 February the Turks were in full retreat towards Baghdad. 13th W Division followed up and next day came up to a Turkish position along a series of canals. 39th Brigade was sent round the Turkish flank, with 7th Gloucesters advancing in the centre of the line, and pushed on to take the second line. The Gloucesters met some opposition, but carried on to the third canal line, though here a counter-attack came in and forced back a company until the position was consolidated. The battalion was among the hardest-hit units, losing 111 men during the day. There was no opposition to 13th W Divisions advance the following day, and although the pursuit was slowed by shortage of supplies, British troops made their 