SUEZ CRISIS | STRATEGIC RECONNAISSANCE
RAF CANBERRA RECONNAISSANCE CREWS FACED A VARIETY OF THREATS DURING THE SUEZ OPERATIONS, AS TOM SPENCER EXPLAINS.
In 1956 a diplomatic crisis developed in the eastern Mediterranean following the Egyptian nationalisation of the strategically important Suez Canal. It had been brewing for many years, with Britain, France, the USSR and the USA all being involved, along with regional powers such as Israel. By the end of the year the bitter arguments as to ownership and usage rights boiled over and resulted in military action by the UK and France in Operation Musketeer. Israel also waged war on Egypt as part of the escalating crisis.
During the summer of 1956 the RAF built up forces in Cyprus and some of the very first aircraft to be assigned were four English Electric Canberra PR.7s of 58 Squadron from RAF Wyton. These arrived in August and were to supplement the photographic reconnaissance capacity provided by the Canberras of the resident 13 Squadron, which was commanded by Sqn Ldr J L Field. Previously flying the Gloster Meteor PR.10, the squadron’s first Canberra PR.7, WH775, had been delivered on 10 May but it was several months until the Meteors were fully replaced.
EYE IN THE SKY
