4 feb 1915 anni - Raid on the Suez Canal

Descrizione:

The Raid on the Suez Canal, also known as Actions on the Suez Canal, occurred between January 26th and February 4th, 1915. It was a pivotal event marking the beginning of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign during World War I. Led by German and Ottoman forces, the attack aimed to seize control of the strategically important Suez Canal, which was under British protection.

The Ottoman forces, under the command of Bavarian Colonel Kress von Kressenstein, concentrated around 20,000 men in southern Palestine for the operation. They planned a multi-pronged assault on the Suez Canal, with one infantry division tasked with capturing Ismailia and crossing the canal, supported by additional divisions on both the east and west banks.

The British, anticipating the attack, had deployed substantial defenses along the canal. Troops were organized into three sectors, with extensive trench systems, barbed wire, and fortified positions. Additionally, naval support was provided by warships stationed in the canal and the surrounding lakes.

The Ottoman forces began their advance across the Sinai Peninsula in late January, encountering resistance from British patrols along the way. Despite British reconnaissance efforts, the Ottomans managed to reach the canal by February 2nd, aiming to launch their assault.

The main attack on the central sector of the canal commenced on February 3rd, with Ottoman forces attempting to cross using pontoons and rafts. However, they faced heavy fire from British defenders, both on land and from naval vessels in the canal. The Ottoman attack was repelled, with significant casualties inflicted on their forces.

Minor attacks occurred at various points along the canal, but British defenses held firm. By February 4th, the Ottoman forces had withdrawn, unable to establish a foothold on the western bank of the canal. The British, reinforced by Australian and New Zealand troops, pursued the retreating Ottomans, capturing prisoners and securing the area.

The raid on the Suez Canal was ultimately unsuccessful for the Ottomans, who suffered significant casualties and failed to achieve their objective. However, it demonstrated their intent to challenge British control in the region and marked the beginning of a prolonged campaign in Sinai and Palestine during World War I.

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