The Suez Crisis 1956

Extract taken from Essential Histories 49: The Suez Crisis 1956Outbreak: Britain, France and Israel contemplate forceful resolution Nationalization set in motion events culminating in war three months later. Foremost among these were decisions taken in London, Paris, and Tel Aviv to attack Egypt. Immediately after nationalization, Britain, France, and Israel assessed their military options. Britain and France, called the “Allies” in this context, informally decided upon collaborative efforts to overthrow Nasser; a few weeks later they made these arrangements formal by agreeing to a joint command structure.

Eden’s low opinion of Egyptian capabilities manifested itself in his public and private conduct. Riding on a wave of domestic support, he mobilized tens of thousands of reservists, dispatched three aircraft carriers to augment HMS Eagle already on station in the Mediterranean, and advocated rapid deployments into Egypt. He suggested that the 16th Independent Parachute Brigade Group capture and occupy the Canal Zone, with additional units to participate as necessary in pursuit of broader British objectives.
Eden’s rationale for quick action had many sources. Rapid assaults deprived Egyptian forces of reinforcement opportunities while allowing Eden to capitalize immediately on a “rally around the flag” phenomenon. However, various constraints, including inadequate air- and sea-lift and untrained British paratroops meant unacceptable risk, foreclosing his plan. Eden’s chiefs-of-staff, who included Chairman and Chief of the Air Staff Marshal of the Royal Air Force William Dickson, First Sea Lord Earl Mountbatten, and Chief of the Imperial General Staff General Gerald. They proposed alternatives built around forces with sufficient training, experience, and equipment. Their creation, the so-called Contingency Plan, relied on sea power and targeted Port Said.