The October 6th, 1973 war remains etched in the memories of those who lived through it, even 53 years later. For Egyptian veterans, the day is more than just a historical event or national holiday - it's a collection of vivid details that have stayed with them. These include the sound of planes crossing the Suez Canal, the sealed envelopes containing crucial information, and the cries of "God is great" that signaled the return of the Egyptian flag to the eastern bank of the Suez Canal.
On that day, Egyptian fighters knew they were part of something significant, but the bigger picture and outcome were uncertain. What they did know was that years of training and preparation had led to this moment. In defense positions, Egyptian armed forces were ready to protect troops crossing the Suez Canal. Meanwhile, the Egyptian destroyer "Al-Fateh" was heading to its position at the Bab al-Mandab Strait, unaware that its mission would become a crucial part of the war.
The testimonies of Major General Majdi Fouad Muhammad Sadek, a hero of the air defense during the October War, and Rear Admiral Ahmed Muhammad Sadek, a hero of the Egyptian Navy, provide a glimpse into those years. They recount the readiness, operations, and military events that led to the crossing of the Suez Canal and the raising of the Egyptian flag on the eastern bank. According to Rear Admiral Sadek, the Egyptian armed forces began to regain the initiative shortly after 1967.
Sadek recalls that in 1967, during the war, he was a first lieutenant on board the destroyer "Al-Fateh", one of Egypt's largest destroyers. He notes that what happened in 1967 did not lead to surrender but rather marked the beginning of a new phase of rebuilding the armed forces and preparing to regain lost territory and dignity. Sadek shares an incident where his brother crossed the Suez Canal from east to west, finding Egyptian civilians waiting with food and support for soldiers and officers.
The Egyptian military did not take long to respond. Rear Admiral Sadek mentions that the Israeli destroyer "Eilat" was sunk just four months after June 1967. The Egyptian air force also engaged in successful battles, preventing Israeli forces from advancing towards Port Said and Bur Fu'ad. Sadek emphasizes that the events after 1967 were the beginning of a long process that culminated in the October 1973 victory.
Sadek, who was a lieutenant commander during the October War, was responsible for the artillery of the destroyer "Al-Fateh", which participated in closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait. He highlights the importance of secrecy, camouflage, and deception in the October War plan. The crew of the destroyer was not aware that they were heading into battle until they received the combat order.
On October 6th, the destroyer reached its designated location, and upon hearing the news of the Egyptian flag being raised on the eastern bank of the Suez Canal, the crew erupted in cheers and chants of "God is great" and "Victory". The Egyptian Navy continued to execute its mission, stopping and inspecting nearly 199 ships to prevent any from crossing the area. This blockade deprived Israel of around 8.3 million tons of petroleum.
Key points
- The Egyptian Navy played a crucial role in the October War by closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait, depriving Israel of essential petroleum supplies.
- The war marked a significant turning point in Egyptian history, showcasing the country's resilience and determination.
- Veterans like Rear Admiral Ahmed Muhammad Sadek continue to share their experiences, providing valuable insights into the country's military history.
