Sinai 1916-17: The Fight for the Suez Canal

A fascinating dive into the overlooked fight between the British Empire’s Egyptian Expeditionary Force and the Ottoman Empire for control of the Suez Canal.

The Battle of Romani was fought between Britain’s Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) and the Ottoman Empire’s Sinai Expeditionary Force in the Sinai Desert in early August 1916. The Ottoman objective was to disrupt and cut off the Suez Canal, while the EEF’s main objective was to protect the Canal and the flow of materials that were struggling to keep the war economies of Britain, France and Italy working. The two sides came to a head on 4-5 August, resulting in the defeat of the Ottomans. The EEF then continued to advance to the edge of the desert by the end of the year. With this, not only did Britain secure its supply lines, but it was also the first major land victory against the Ottoman Empire. The tide was finally turning in the war between the empires.

Historian Stuart Hadaway provides an in-depth look at the much overlooked Sinai Campaign, which was a victory of immense strategic importance in World War I. However, it was a hard-won battle with critical mistakes made on both sides. Illustrated with period photographs, detailed maps and stunning artwork, this book examines the fight for the Canal, the lessons the EEF failed to learn, and how the courage and bravery of the troops, especially the Australians and New Zealanders, saved the situation on many occasions.

Stuart Hadaway qualified as a museum curator in 2001 and worked in military museums until 2009 when he joined the Air Historical Branch (RAF) as Senior Researcher for the Official Historians of the Royal Air Force. He is currently the Research and Information Manager at the Branch.

Graham Turner is a leading historical artist, specializing in the medieval period. He has illustrated numerous titles for Osprey, covering a wide variety of subjects. Graham lives and works in Buckinghamshire, UK.