Sinai 1916–17: The Fight for the Suez Canal (Osprey Campaign #421)

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 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. In this defeat, 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 a 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 Australian and New Zealander troops saved the situation on many occasions.