Operation Musketeer: The Jump on the Suez Canal

The 1956 Suez Crisis, also known as the Second Arab-Israeli War, was a complex conflict involving multiple nations and interests. At its core, the crisis was a confrontation over control of the Suez Canal, a crucial waterway for global trade and oil transport. Operation Musketeer, a unique joint military operation conducted by British, French, and Israeli forces, was aimed at seizing control of the canal and toppling Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. Let's delve into the military aspects of this distinctive operation, with a particular emphasis on the airborne operations conducted by British and French forces.

Background and Strategic Objectives

The Suez Crisis erupted after Egyptian President Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal on July 26, 1956. The Suez Canal Company previously controlled the canal, which was primarily owned by British and French interests. Nasser's move threatened Western access to Middle Eastern oil and was perceived as a direct challenge to British and French colonial influence in the region. This set the stage for Operation Musketeer, a joint military operation aimed at regaining control of the canal and undermining Nasser's regime.

In response, Britain and France devised a plan to regain control of the canal and undermine Nasser's regime. They sought the cooperation of Israel, which had its own grievances against Egypt. The three nations secretly agreed on a coordinated military operation.

Before this, on October 29, 1956, Israeli airborne troops jumped east of Suez at the southern tip of the Suez Canal. The following day, Israeli paras had secured more strategic passes than the Egyptian military in the Sinai, leading to the Israelis crossing in the northern part of the desert. Israel would invade the Sinai Peninsula, drawing Egyptian forces away from the canal. In contrast, British and French forces would intervene under the pretext of separating the warring parties and ensuring free passage through the canal.

Enter Operation Musketeer

Operation Musketeer was carefully planned to achieve a swift and decisive victory. The operation was divided into several phases, including preliminary air strikes, naval bombardments, and amphibious and airborne assaults. Having learned lessons from World War II, the British and French forces emphasized using airborne troops to achieve rapid and strategic objectives.

The airborne component of Operation Musketeer was crucial to its success. The plan involved the deployment of paratroopers to capture critical positions and facilitate the advance of ground forces. The British and French airborne operations were conducted separately but coordinated closely to achieve common goals. This was a significant milestone, marking the first time since WWII that two allies joined forces for a joint landing in a hostile territory, demonstrating the strength of international cooperation in Operation Musketeer.

The British airborne operations were led by the 16th Independent Parachute Brigade, commanded by Brigadier M.A.H. Butler. The brigade comprised several battalions, including the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment (1 PARA), and the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (3 PARA). The primary objective of the British paratroopers was to secure the El Gamil airfield, located near the port city of Port Said, which was a critical entry point for subsequent amphibious landings.

On November 5, 1956, the British paratroopers embarked on their mission. The operation began with a massive aerial bombardment by the Royal Air Force (RAF) to soften up Egyptian defenses. This was followed by deploying paratroopers from RAF aircraft, including the Hastings and Valetta transport planes. The drop zones were carefully selected to ensure minimal resistance and quick consolidation of positions.

The paratroopers encountered sporadic resistance from Egyptian forces but managed to secure the El Gamil airfield relatively easily. The capture of the airfield allowed for the rapid deployment of additional troops and supplies, reinforcing the initial wave of paratroopers. The success of this airborne operation was a testament to the thorough planning and training of the British paratroopers and the effective coordination between air and ground forces.

The British paratroopers also engaged in several more minor skirmishes around Port Said. These engagements were crucial in maintaining control over critical infrastructure and preventing Egyptian reinforcements from reaching the front lines. Light infantry tactics, combined with superior firepower and mobility, allowed the British to dominate these encounters and secure strategic positions. The Egyptian forces were also no match for the Brits, making the execution of this phase much more accessible.

French Airborne Operations

The French airborne operations were spearheaded by the 2nd Colonial Parachute Regiment (2e RPC) under the command of Colonel Marcel Bigeard. The French paratroopers were tasked with capturing strategic points in the vicinity of Port Said, including the Raswa bridges, which were vital for controlling access to the city.

Like the British, the French airborne operation commenced with extensive air strikes by the French Air Force to neutralize Egyptian defenses. On November 5, 1956, the French paratroopers were dropped over their designated targets using Nord Noratlas transport aircraft. The paratroopers faced moderate resistance from Egyptian forces but succeeded in securing their objectives.

One of the French paratroopers' notable achievements was capturing the Raswa bridges, which facilitated the movement of ground forces into Port Said. The French paratroopers demonstrated exceptional skill and discipline, reflecting their extensive training and combat experience. Additionally, they conducted several reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on Egyptian troop movements and fortifications, providing valuable information for subsequent operations.

The French paratroopers also engaged in urban combat within Port Said. This required high coordination and adaptability, as they had to navigate through densely populated areas while minimizing civilian casualties. Their ability to quickly secure and hold critical positions within the city was instrumental in the overall success of Operation Musketeer.

 

The success of the airborne operations was heavily reliant on the close coordination between British and French forces. Joint planning and communication were essential to ensure that the airborne assaults complemented each other and supported Operation Musketeer's overall objectives.

One of the challenges faced by the airborne troops was operating in a complex and rapidly changing environment. The presence of Egyptian forces, urban terrain, and the need to secure critical infrastructure required adaptability and quick decision-making. The paratroopers had to be prepared for combat and peacekeeping, as the mission involved defeating enemy forces and maintaining order in the captured areas.

Logistics also posed a significant challenge. Ensuring a steady flow of supplies, including ammunition, food, and medical support, was crucial for sustaining the momentum of the airborne operations. The paratroopers relied on airdrops and rapid resupply missions to maintain operational effectiveness.

Naval and Amphibious Operations

The airborne assaults by the British and the French set up the conditions, and Operation Musketeer included significant naval and amphibious components. The British and French navies played a crucial role in supporting the airborne operations and ensuring the success of the overall mission.

Admiral Sir Manley Power commanded the British naval task force, which included various ships, such as aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and amphibious assault vessels. The primary objectives of the British naval forces were to provide air support, conduct naval bombardments, and facilitate amphibious landings.

Aircraft carriers such as HMS Eagle and HMS Albion were pivotal in launching air strikes against Egyptian positions and providing close air support to the paratroopers on the ground. The naval bombardments targeted vital defensive positions, weakening Egyptian resistance and paving the way for the amphibious landings.

The amphibious assault was conducted by the 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, commanded by Brigadier C.H. Gotto. The brigade was tasked with landing at Port Said and securing the city. The initial wave of Royal Marines faced minimal resistance, thanks to the preceding airborne and naval operations. The amphibious landing was executed with precision, demonstrating the effectiveness of combined arms operations.

The Royal Marines also played a critical role in securing the waterfront and ensuring the safe landing of additional troops and equipment. Their expertise in amphibious warfare, honed through rigorous training and previous combat experience, was crucial in overcoming the logistical challenges of the operation.

The French naval forces, under the command of Vice-Admiral Pierre Barjot, complemented the British efforts with their own fleet of ships, including aircraft carriers, cruisers, and destroyers. The French naval task force had similar objectives: to provide air support, conduct bombardments, and facilitate amphibious landings.

French aircraft carriers such as the Arromanches launched air strikes in coordination with the British carriers, targeting Egyptian defenses and supporting the paratroopers. The naval bombardments by French ships were instrumental in neutralizing enemy positions and ensuring the success of the amphibious landings.

The French 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment (1er RIPC) and other marine and commando units conducted the amphibious assault at Port Fouad, near Port Said. The French marines faced moderate resistance but succeeded in securing their objectives, contributing to the overall success of Operation Musketeer.

The French naval forces also provided essential logistical support, ensuring the continuous flow of supplies and reinforcements. The coordination between the French and British navies was a critical factor in maintaining the operational tempo and achieving the strategic objectives of the mission.

Combined Arms and Joint Ops; Intel and Recon

Operation Musketeer highlighted the importance of combined arms and joint operations in modern warfare. The integration of airborne, naval, and amphibious forces allowed the British and French to achieve a rapid and decisive victory over Egyptian forces. The operation's success was a testament to the effectiveness of joint planning, communication, and execution. Critical to this operation was also the fact that the two armies had instilled an alliance of trust among them, spearheaded by the paratroopers of both sides landing on both sides of the canal.

One key lesson from Operation Musketeer was the importance of flexibility and adaptability in military operations. The ability to quickly respond to changing battlefield conditions, coordinate between different branches of the armed forces, and leverage the strengths of each component was crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by the Suez Crisis.

Intelligence played a critical role in the planning and execution of Operation Musketeer. Accurate and timely intelligence allowed the British and French forces to identify critical targets, assess enemy strengths and weaknesses, and plan their operations precisely. Reconnaissance missions conducted by airborne and naval forces provided valuable information on Egyptian troop movements, fortifications, and defensive positions. This intelligence was used to plan the air strikes, naval bombardments, and airborne assaults that paved the way for the amphibious landings.

Aftermath and Legacy of Operation Musketeer

Operation Musketeer achieved its immediate military objectives: the Suez Canal was captured, and Egyptian resistance was neutralized. However, the operation had significant political and diplomatic repercussions.

International condemnation, particularly from the United States and the Soviet Union, led to a ceasefire and the eventual withdrawal of British, French, and Israeli forces.

The Suez Crisis highlighted the limitations of military power in the face of international diplomacy and the changing dynamics of post-World War II geopolitics. The crisis also underscored the importance of airborne operations in modern warfare, demonstrating their potential to achieve rapid and decisive results.

Operation Musketeer remains a significant case study in using airborne forces and combined arms operations. The British and French airborne operations were executed with precision and effectiveness, showcasing the capabilities of well-trained and coordinated paratroopers. The success of the airborne assaults was complemented by naval and amphibious operations, illustrating the importance of joint planning and cooperation in achieving military objectives.

While the Suez Crisis ultimately had limited long-term success for the British and French, Operation Musketeer's military aspects provided valuable lessons in the conduct of airborne and amphibious operations. The operation demonstrated the potential for airborne forces to achieve strategic objectives and shape the outcome of complex military engagements.

Once again, the Paras had become a crucial asset for military ops.

Check out this video from the airdrop on the Suez Canal:

https://youtu.be/nML7PVWrl_M?si=6K2hptmYe4USP9ga