The two forces merged and advanced to al-Watayyah by the 10th. They were opposed by 750 Indian Army troops, composed of the 102nd grenadiers, led by Col. S. M. Edwardes (now in overall command), stationed at Bayt al-Falaj; and the 95th Russell's Infantry, commanded by F. F. Major, and stationed at Ruwi village. A small detachment of Arab retainers was to protect Dar Sayt, but actually fled when fighting began.[1]