October 15–24, 1973 · West Bank of Suez Canal (Egypt) Theater
October 15–24, 1973
Following the fierce battle at the Chinese Farm, Israeli engineers and paratroopers crossed the Suez Canal in darkness, establishing a bridgehead on the Egyptian west bank. Tanks and armored vehicles streamed across pontoon bridges. Israeli armor raced south, cutting off the supply lines of Egypt's Third Army. By October 24, the entire Third Army — 45,000 men — was encircled without food, water, or ammunition. Only a superpower-forced ceasefire saved them.
Commanders