Worth of scenario:Port Said 1956,anyone agree?

[Warhero]

I saw some weeks ago document program about Nasser and Suez Crisis 1956 from Finnish TV. If I remember right, Brits and French sent paratrooper brigade into Egypt (Port Said area) after Col. Nasser (leader of Egypt that time) "hijacked" control of Suez Channel from Brits. I have never seen any scen/campaign about this "incident" in any SP games before. So could anyone be interested in to make 1 scen about it?
Wild Bill perhaps ?

[desh44]

Sounds good will look into it
Tom D

[Weeble]

For details of the British involvement in Suez see:

http://www.britains-smallwars.com/suez/suez-index.html

Notable for the first use of helicopter-borne assault troops on 6th November 1956, when men of 45 Cdo RM were airlifted into Port Said from HMS Ocean & HMS Theseus by 8 Westland Whirlwinds of 845 NAS. The first CASEVAC'd casualty arrived back on board 20 minutes after leaving!

[Warhero]

Thanks about link Weeble. Very interesting and well researched site. How about some scens about other British/French "small wars" (Oman, Algeria, Indochina etc.)?

[WBWilder]

Its already done, Weeble. I'll be posting it within a month. Two versions, easy and hard. I'll attach a picture of the map.

Looks pretty good. Its called "Taking the Tip"

Here is the text for the scenario:

TAKING THE TIP-(The Very Hard Version!)**
UK Assault vs Egyptian Defend:*
Suez, Egypt*
November 5-6, 1959*
Turns: 18**

Scenario Size: Medium*
Estimated Play Time: 2 Hours+**

Design: Wild Bill Wilder*
bwilder@bellsouth.net**

Testers: Tom DeShelter, Lars Remmen, Stephen Porter**

Player Notes:**

This battle is suitable for a 2 player game. If played solitaire, take the Egyptian side.**

The UK paras are landing with limited ammo for their main weapons. They must get to the ammo canisters and load up quickly. The Egyptians are initially slow to react but that will change. Try to clear the airfield area quickly.**

I cannot guarantee any more than anyone in the know in the military that your troops are going to land where they should. If all your troops land safely, you should have enough to do the job. If some land in the water, you will find yourself desperately short of men. You still have a task before you.**

On turn 4 a transport will appear to your left. You are to move it the amount you deem necessary and land it on the airfield. You had better be sure that the airfield is secure or that transport may be shot down. You can on the next turn withdraw the aircraft or just leave it there.**

Your Orders:**

Captain, your company B of paratroopers of the Parachute Regiment has been assigned the task of taking the airfield near Port Said. The other two companies are pushing east and west of your assignment.**

Get your men organized quickly. The commandos will be making their amphibious landing at Said within hours. We are to protect their flank. You must have control of the area within the hour. Good hunting!**


Historical Background:**

The 1956 confrontation between Israel and the Arab forces that surrounded her was coming to a close. Israel was winning the fight. Fearing the threats of Abdul Nasser, President of Egypt, in the event of an Israeli victory, of blocking or destroying the Suez Canal, the British and French intervened to prevent such an act.**

British and French troops began executing "Operation Musketeer" on the morning of November 5th, 1959. Elements of the British 16th Parachute Brigade were airdropped onto the spit of land in the Mediterranean Sea that lead to Port Said and the entrance to the Suez Canal.**

They were fired upon as they floated to earth. Reaching their ammo canisters quickly, the paras and began their push to take over Gamil Airfield. Company A moved west to take and hold the Gamil Bridge. Company B took the airport in a series of sharp vicious firefights.**

Company C moved eastward toward Port Said to form the anvil for the British 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines in their amphibious assault on Port Said itself.**

By the end of the day, after facing fanatical infantry and armored counterattacks, the Paras had completed their task. Early on the following day, the Commandos made their landing and secured Said and the Suez Canal with minimal resistance. This was due in large part to the efforts of the British paras the day before.**

WB

[Warhero]

Just a bit nitpicking WB, but right year was 1956, not 1959 ...

[WBWilder]

Yes it was, and that's not nitpicking. It was during the Arab Israeli conflict of 56. Thanks for noticing that.

Now that is what a good tester does but in defense of the great team, they have not seen it yet. So I'll fix that right now.

Anything else you see, ever, my feelings do not reside on my right or left shoulder. Fire away. I can learn from all of you as I already have.

WB

[junk2drive]

Here are a couple of websites
Steven Thomas, a wargamer, page on gaming the Sinai campaign

Another page of tidbits

[WBWilder]

Very good web sites, J2K. This research helps a lot. I appreciate you finding these.

WB

[junk2drive]

You're welcome of course.

Steven Thomas' website is full of good stuff for wargamers.
SCW, AIW, and others. The TO&Es and OOBs are very helpful.