November 6, 1956 · Suez Canal Zone Theater
November 6, 1956
While British forces assaulted Port Said on the western bank of the Canal, French paratroopers seized Port Fuad on the eastern bank in a simultaneous operation. French commandos had dropped the previous day and fought through residential streets against Egyptian regulars and armed civilians. The French secured Port Fuad more quickly than the British secured Port Said — French forces had fewer restrictive rules of engagement and used more aggressive tactics. When the ceasefire came at midnight, French troops were positioned to continue south down the Canal but were ordered to halt alongside their British counterparts.
Commanders