Book on Suez crisis

John Hunt

31 March 2008

I'VE written a book - Suez: The Hidden Truths - which details those turbulent years of the Suez emergency of the early 1950s, when thousands of troops, many National Servicemen were posted to defend the canal zone, often facing appalling conditions.

Indeed, at that time there were many 'hot-spots' of the Colonial Empire to be policed around the world - and one in particular was the gateway to the East - the Suez canal zone of Egypt, where by 1951 Nationalism was becoming the new and rising force around the region.

To contain this threat, many raw recruits were sent both by air and sea to defend a 'strip of water' against both a hostile and barbaric foe, while living under canvas in camps along the canal with heat, flies, stench, disease and devious dangerous terrorists to contend with in quite an inhospitable land.

Even though many lads died - who were only in their teens - we were inexplicably denied a medal. However, after a long campaign, this miscarriage of justice has been righted after fifty years, against overwhelming odds.

Moreover, the Suez Emergency lasted for three years and during that time the number of troops defending the region remained at around 80,000. All crammed into camps designed for just 10,000.

In addition, while many Suez veterans - now in their seventies - are delighted with the award of this belated medal, they are at the same time angry that is wasn't issued at the time, especially when the veterans look back at their comrades who lost their lives all those years ago and are buried in British Military Cemeteries in Egypt and other vets who have passed on over the years since.

My book costs £6 including P&P. Nostalgia abounds. (Revised eidition). From John Hunt, 14 Carrfield, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancs., PR5 8BS. Tel: 01772 322717.

John Hunt,

Suez Veteran

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