Hidden truth of Suez campaign
I'VE written a book: 'Suez: The Hidden Truths' which details those turbulent years of the early 1950s in the Suez Canal Zone of Egypt, where thousands of mostly National Servicemen were posted to defend a 'strip of water' against a hostile and barbaric foe in absolutely appalling conditions.
Moreover, although there were many loads killed who were only in their teens, we were denied a medal, for some inexplicable reason, which I have tried to address.
However, due to a small band of dedicated Suez activists, this miscarriage of justice has been righted - after many years of campaigning against a contentious Whitehall and overwhelming odds.
Many Suez veterans - all in their 70s - are delighted with the award of this belated medal, but it really is a travesty that it wasn't issued at the time and, in particular, for those lads who lost their lives and are buried in the sand at British military cemeteries in Egypt, and other veterans who have passed on over the years since.
Indeed, this forgotten part of our history must be revived and kept alive for future generations. While other conflicts have been given due coverage - and rightly so - the Suez Canal Zone Emergency has been ignored.
Suez: The Hidden Truths, has attracted many good reviews, which includes one from the Imperial War Museum. This documentary on Suez is ideal for those interested in the history of British involvement in the canal zone during the troubles of 1951/54, where young conscripts had to endure deprivation and danger in a conflict which has been neglected for too long.
Furthermore, Britain has traditionally treated its soldiers very badly and one is reminded of the lines of Rudyard Kipling:
It's Tommy this and Tommy that
And kick him out the bruete
But it's saviour of his country
When the guns begin to shoot.
This book (revised edition) is available from me at the above address or phone. It costs 6 including P&P. Nostalgia abounds!
What do you think? Add your comments below.
BUY ONLINE: The Sheffield Telegraph and Property Guide are now out every Thursday. To sign up on line click here.
MORE:
Local News
Local Sport
Arts Guide
Community News
Listings Guide
Restaurant Guide
Letters
Email to a friend
Print this page- Katie shines as burns unit opens
- New TV prison drama does time in Sheffield
- MATCH REPORT: Sheffield Wednesday 0 Blackpool 3
- Snow Patrol chats to The Star ahead of their Sheffield gig tonight- LISTEN TO AUDIO INTERVIEW
- SNOW LATEST: Airport reopens as South Yorkshire returns to normal - but wrap up Monday
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
