Travel between Basra and Shaiba was difficult because seasonal floods had turned the area into a lake, and movement went via boat.

The British garrison at Shaiba consisted of about 7,000 men in a fortified camp including a trench and barbed wire.

[3] Melliss then attacked with the 2nd Dorsets and the 24th Punjabis, backed by artillery fire, and they routed the Arab irregulars, capturing 400 and dispersing the rest.

[4] Men were thirsty and running low on ammunition, and the Ottoman regular troops showed no indication they were going to give up.

Sulaiman Askari would end up committing suicide over the loss, which he blamed on the Arab irregulars and their failure to support him.

[8] Major George Wheeler of the 7th Hariana Lancers was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his actions during the battle.