The Battle of Romani heralded the second notable attempt by Turk forces to seize control of the critical Suez Canal, then in British hands, in August 1916. An earlier attack in early February 1915 had been handily repulsed by British forces. For the remainder of 1915 both Turkish and British forces had been committed to the Gallipoli campaign, although the ever-present threat to the canal led the British to commit a wide presence to ensure its defence. As 1916 dawned the British force, led by Sir Archibald Murray and which included Australian and New Zealand troops, began to move left of the canal towards Palestine, the intention being to establish a fresh defensive line some 160 kilometres away. Progress was slowed however by the laying of an accompanying pipeline and road and rail link. http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/romani.htm
