In the 1950s, after the creation of the State of Israel, there was still tension between Israel and Egypt.
The British involvement in the military action to secure the Suez Canal from President Nasser of Egypt in the autumn of 1956 proved to be one of the greatest political mistakes of the century.
It led to repercussions which affected Britain’s standing as a major player in world politics. In the light of many newly released government documents, Robert Jackson wrote his 1996 book which appraised both the military campaign itself and the international backlash that it caused.
Jackson’s book asks pertinent questions which hold up sixty years after the conflict.
Why was this operation launched against the wishes of almost every senior British commander?
Why did premier Anthony Eden run such a personal crusade against Nasser?
Why was the French military so much more prepared and therefore effective, than the British?
Would Russia have risked crushing the Hungarian uprising if Suez had not been centre-stage in world affairs?
In a brief but fascinating discussion, Jackson lists the ships and aircraft which were used in the conflict, and is not shy at pointing out mistakes and errors of judgement. In a climate where politicians are still quick to rush to war, this story is essential reading.
Robert Jackson (b. 1941) is a prolific author of military and aviation history. As an active serviceman in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve he flew a wide range of aircraft, ranging from jets to gliders.
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