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The Suez Canal Raid

On the 6 November 1956 45 Commando made the first operational sea to land attack using helicopters. The US Marine Corps had pioneered developments in this field, but were yet to use it on the battlefield.

Meanwhile, 40 and 42 Commando, supported by 6th Royal Tank Regiment, landed on the beaches of Port Said.

The raid on the Suez Canal was a combined attack with British Paratroopers and French forces prompted by the Egyptian nationalisation of the Suez Canal. The canal was of strategic importance to Britain and France who felt that this action threatened their trading and economic interests.

The United States and the United Nations condemned the attack, however, as they feared a larger war with the USSR in support of Egypt might occur.

Photograph of 45 Commando approaching the landing zone in Whirlwind helicopters, 6 November 1956. (RMM)

Article highlights

• The Suez Canal Raid

• Landing in Port Said

Follow the links to find out more about -

• Commando carriers and assault ships - Fearless and Intrepid

• The Korean War

• Northern Flank

• Southern Flank

• Flying Marines - the Suez Canal Raid