Stuart will provide an overview of the campaigns in and around Egypt in 1914 -16. In 1914, the Suez Canal was seen as 'the jugular vein of the British Empire' and disrupting it could have disastrous implications on the war effort. Over the next two years, this forgotten corner of the war would see repeated attempts by the Ottoman Empire to cut the Canal, culminating in the Battle of Romani in August 1916 - Britain's first strategic victory of the war on land. In between, Egypt would act as the Base for the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in the Dardanelles, and fight a Colonial-style campaign against the Senussi in the Western Desert.
Stuart is a professional military historian, working in aviation history but with a personal interest in the First World War in the Middle East. He has written several books on the subject, and runs the online group 'Egyptian Expeditionary Force in WW1'.
This meeting will be held in Cobham. Members of The Western Front Association and non-members are equally welcome. We ask for a modest £5 donation on the door. This includes tea, coffee and biscuits at the break (before the Q&A session with the speaker). It also includes free tickets for the book raffle.
People joining us at Cobham can use our cashless card system and use their credit card/phone with the reader that will be available at the signing-in desk.
To help make things easier and safer, we are asking those coming to Cobham to bring their own mug for coffee or tea.
Stuart’s talk will start at 8pm. Doors open at Cobham at 7:15pm and the meeting starts at 7:45pm.