Shifting to the south-eastern side of Dongolaas Gorge, the 5th Indian Brigade attacked what had been identified as a weak point in the Italian defenses. The gap between Mount Dologorodoc and the neighboring Mount Falestoh appeared lightly-held, and if the Indians could force their way through here then they could outflank Fort Dologorodoc and pressure the Italians to abandon their defense of the road block in front of Keren. Sir William Platt and his staff were mistaken.

The Indians avoided the fearsome Dologorodoc position and tried to push their way between the two mountains instead. They made some headway before the Italian defense stiffened. The Grenadiers soon counter-attacked, driving the Rajputs back to the plains, and despite plentiful artillery support the British attack came to a halt. They would have to try something different.