nov 1, 1956 - Operation Musketeer

Description:

Operation Musketeer (Opération Mousquetaire) was the Anglo-French plan for the invasion of the Suez Canal zone during the Suez Crisis in 1956. Initially named Operation Hamilcar, it was renamed due to spelling differences between the British and French. The operation aimed to capture the Suez Canal, with Israel's additional objectives of opening the Straits of Tiran and halting fedayeen incursions. Originally scheduled for early September, coordination delays with Israel postponed it to November.

Planning and Execution
In early September, adjustments to the plan aimed to minimize Egyptian civilian casualties, resulting in the revised Musketeer Revise plan. Headed by British General Charles Keightley, the operation began in November 1956, in close coordination with Israel's Operation Kadesh. Initially planning to land at Alexandria, the target was switched to Port Said to avoid heavy Egyptian resistance and civilian casualties.

Military Actions
The Anglo-French force included the Royal Marine Commando Brigade, the 16th Parachute Brigade, and the 3rd Infantry Division, commanded by Lieutenant General Sir Hugh Stockwell. On October 29, Israeli forces invaded the Sinai. Britain and France issued an ultimatum to Egypt and Israel to cease fighting. When ignored, Operation Musketeer was launched. On November 5, British and French paratroopers and marines landed at Port Said. They quickly took control of key canal facilities, but the Egyptians sank ships to block the canal.

Reaction and Ceasefire
The operation faced global condemnation, particularly from the United States, which led to a sharp break in the "special relationship" with the UK. Commonwealth reactions were mixed, with Canada strongly opposing the operation. Political pressure, especially from the US, forced Britain and France to accept a UN-mandated ceasefire. Despite military success, the operation's political fallout led to a rapid withdrawal of Anglo-French forces by December 22.

Aftermath
The operation exposed the limits of British and French military power and highlighted strategic miscalculations, including the overshadowing Soviet intervention in Hungary. The crisis marked a significant moment in the decline of British and French influence in the Middle East. It also led to France pursuing an independent nuclear deterrent, culminating in the first French atomic bomb test in 1960. The Suez Crisis and the failure of Operation Musketeer reinforced the need for British and French reevaluation of their global roles, especially in light of American dominance.

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