6 ноя 1956 г. - Operation Telescope

Описание:

Operation Telescope was a Franco-British parachute operation conducted from 5 to 6 November 1956 during the Suez Crisis. The operation involved British and French paratroopers launching drops 24 hours before the seaborne landing on Port Said during Operation Musketeer. This aimed to secure airfields and prevent Egyptian forces from providing air defense.

Order of Battle
United Kingdom:

3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment:
A, B, C, and D Companies
Forward Observation Officer Detachment, 97 Battery, 33 (Para) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery
3 Troop, 9 Independent Parachute Field Squadron, Royal Engineers
Detachments from 16th Independent Parachute Brigade Signal Squadron, 23 Parachute Field Ambulance, and 63 Company, Royal Army Service Corps
13 Air Contact Team, Royal Air Force
RAF Parachute Detachment
France:

2^e Régiment de Parachutistes Coloniaux (2. RPC)
Egypt:

Three Army Companies
National Guard in Port Said, supported by three SU-100 tank destroyers and two 3.7 inch anti-aircraft guns
The Battle
The operation began with British airstrikes on Egyptian defensive positions around the battlefield, neutralizing many. On 5 November, 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (3. PARA) landed at 0515 GMT under fire but suffered few casualties due to the inaccurate Egyptian fire. Despite lacking heavy support equipment, the British paratroopers effectively used their small arms and light anti-tank weapons to secure Gamil airfield.

Key Actions:

British Paratroopers: Took Gamil airfield, neutralizing four concrete pillboxes. Faced challenges from three Egyptian SU-100 self-propelled guns but ultimately secured the area.
French Paratroopers (2. RPC): Successfully took the western span of the Rawsa Bridges and the Said waterworks, cutting off supplies into Port Said.

On 6 November, British C Company captured the cemetery without opposition and then took the Coast Guard building. A medical officer, Captain Elliot, rescued injured patrol members under heavy fire, earning the Military Cross.

Analysis and Aftermath
The operation paved the way for the landing of 40 and 42 Commandos on 6 November. The British success at Gamil airfield demonstrated effective airborne assault tactics despite initial limitations. The French landing at Port Fuad was highly successful, negating the need for a follow-up amphibious assault.

Criticism:
Lack of helicopter reinforcements for 45 Commando.

Gamil airfield's limited strategic value due to the collapse of the Egyptian Air Force and its small size.

Outcome:
Operation Telescope was a tactical success but considered a political blunder. Despite the successful military actions, the operation contributed to significant international backlash and political complications for Britain and France.

Conclusion
Operation Telescope exemplified the effective use of airborne forces in securing strategic objectives during the Suez Crisis, showcasing both British and French military capabilities and the challenges of 1950s military logistics and strategy.

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