British and French para-troops are landed around Port Said at the northern end of the Suez Canal. Landings by a Royal Marine Brigade are brought forward to the next day, helicopters are used for the first time in a seaborne invasion. the Egyptians put up a firm resistance at several locations. A cease fire is called for by British Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden.
The Royal Air Force and the French Air Force strike at the Egyptian military quickly destroying the Egyptian Air Force as an effective military force, helping the Israeli military in their campaign in the Sinai as well as preparing for the Anglo - French invasion of Port Said. A biography of General Stockwell the commander of the Anglo - French military invasion force.
As had been agreed between the Israeli, British and French Government, the Israeli Army invades the Sinai, dropping para-troops near to the Suez Canal. The Israeli Army defeats the Egyptian Army and captures the Sinai and Gaza. This invasion allows the British and French Government to invade the Suez Canal.
British public opinion is heavily divided by the decision of the Eden Government to commit British Armed Forces to an invasion of the Suez Canal. The Labour Party is totally opposed to the use of armed force. A biography of Labour Party leader Hugh Gaitskell. Audio clips from Sir Anthony Eden and Labour Foreign spokesman Bevan are included in this episode.