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OBVERSE
The obverse feature the Sphinx overlooking the waters of the canal and holding a chain between the outstretched legs, symbolising the blockade. On either side of the design are the words ‘Suez Canal’ with the dates 1951-54 and 1956-57, which represent the two most recent periods of unrest and conflict.
REVERSE
The reverse features the papyrus grass, otherwise called the paper plant. The glass-like aquatic, cultivated in the Nile region of Egypt, was harvested for its properties, which were pressed and dried to form a smooth, thin writing surface. To the left of the flower are the words: ‘To mark service in the Canal Zone.’
RIBBON
The narrow red, white and blue stripes on the edge of the ribbon represent the involvement of the British and French forces bordering the sand of the desert and in the centre the canal. The exclusively designed woven ribbon is fitted to a uniquely created medal suspender in the form of Pharaonic wings. This medal is supplied on a concealed single pin, ready to wear.
This commemorative medal marks the service of participants and support personnel in the Suez Canal Zone between 1945 and 1957.
The Suez Canal revolutionised the trade route from Europe to Asia, which is why it has been the focus of international interest for centuries. It has seen much conflict and been owned by many rulers and kings but only now that trade depends so heavily on it, do all eyes fall on it to ensure it doesn’t run into disrepair or another crisis.
Although British troops had been in the canal zone since 1945, one of the most recent and significant crises which involved British and French forces in the area came in 1951 when Egypt renounced its 1936 treaty with Britain and British troops took control of the canal. In 1954 Egypt and Britain signed an agreement, suspending the 1936 treaty that provided for the withdrawal of all troops.
In June 1956 Gamal Abdel Nasser was elected president of Egypt and he nationalised the Suez Canal resulting in what became known as The Suez Crisis, which saw Britain and France returning to the Canal Zone.
It is to mark such service that the Suez Canal Zone Medal was introduced.
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