Following the Suez Crisis, the United Nations’ Emergency Force I would remain in Egypt until 1967. This mission was critical to the prevention of war between the Israelis and Egyptians. As a result of the longevity of this mission, the 8th Canadian Hussars would be tasked with returning to man a sector of the armistice line on the Gaza Strip. The Hussars would deploy ‘D’ and ‘A’ Squadrons for 12-month rotations in the country starting in 1964. As Peacekeepers, the Hussars were to provide a stabilizing presence in the region. Unfortunately, their deployment was not without risk, two Hussars would be killed while serving with the Peacekeeping Force in Gaza.
Camp Rafah - Egypt
In February of 1964, D Squadron made landfall at Camp Rafah, Egypt, in the Gaza Strip. Here, the Canadians would serve as a shield between the Israel Defense Force and the Egyptian military. These men were to take over the duties of Lord Strathcona’s Horse, who would be repatriated to Canada. The Regiment’s main operational centre within Camp Rafah was Fort Worthington. When not in the Camp, D Squadron maintained two permanent outposts along their assigned section of the ‘International Frontier.’ The northernmost position was Fort Robinson; thereafter, the line was held by the Brazilians. The Southernmost position was called Fort Saunders; further south, the line would be held by the Yugoslavs. Between these two posts, the Squadron would be responsible for patrolling over 30 miles of border.
In terms of logistics, the Squadron was divided into troops. This ensured that they had sufficient manpower to maintain a continual presence along their defensive line. Moreover, it allowed for the rotation of soldiers into, and out of, the demarcation zone. Finally, this arrangement allowed the frontline soldiers to be taken from the line for rest and relaxation. The Hussars would be equipped with American Jeeps, sidearm's, and several Browning machine guns for good measure. Fully equipped, the Hussars would be subsumed in their peacekeeping duties. The border area falling under the operational control of the United Nations was beset by several challenges. First, the Hussars had to be vigilant of the operations being conducted by the Israelis and Arabs on both sides of the border. However, a more pertinent issue was the constant violations of the border by the Bedouins, nomads, and Palestinians. This could often raise the ire of Israeli soldiers resulting in skirmishing. While this proved challenging, it was not the most pressing danger experienced by the Hussars. They had to contend with thousands of mines, which remained buried following the disengagement of the Israelis and Egyptians.
In terms of logistics, the Squadron was divided into troops. This ensured that they had sufficient manpower to maintain a continual presence along their defensive line. Moreover, it allowed for the rotation of soldiers into, and out of, the demarcation zone. Finally, this arrangement allowed the frontline soldiers to be taken from the line for rest and relaxation. The Hussars would be equipped with American Jeeps, sidearm's, and several Browning machine guns for good measure. Fully equipped, the Hussars would be subsumed in their peacekeeping duties. The border area falling under the operational control of the United Nations was beset by several challenges. First, the Hussars had to be vigilant of the operations being conducted by the Israelis and Arabs on both sides of the border. However, a more pertinent issue was the constant violations of the border by the Bedouins, nomads, and Palestinians. This could often raise the ire of Israeli soldiers resulting in skirmishing. While this proved challenging, it was not the most pressing danger experienced by the Hussars. They had to contend with thousands of mines, which remained buried following the disengagement of the Israelis and Egyptians.
 Tpr AA Bons |  Cpl PR Wallace |
Tragedy would soon take two lives. While out making their rounds, two Hussars would pick up a Bedouin infiltrator. These three men would make the return journey to Camp Rafah. On the way, their Jeep would trigger an anti-tank mine, killing the three men and destroying their Jeep. Corporal Paul Wallace and Trooper Adrian Bons would be buried with full military honours at the Gaza War Cemetery. D Squadron would finish their peacekeeping tour without further incident.
A Squadron would relieve D Squadron in February of 1965. These Hussars set out to improve the relationship with the indigenous peoples. This included providing provisions for the Bedouins and engaging with local leaders. The most serious event of the Squadron's deployment occurred when one of the Squadron's personnel threatened other Hussars with his sub-machine gun. Fortunately, this threat was quickly neutralized. Ultimately, a lively social life sprang-up for the Hussars. There were dances and inter-squadron sports to keep the peacekeepers occupied.
A Squadron would be the last of the Hussars to participate in Peacekeeping with the UNEFI in Gaza. At the end of 1965, the Squadron was informed that they would be rotated out. A Squadron would lower their flags in February of 1966. Their positions would be taken up by the Brazilians in the North and the Yugoslavs in the South. While no additional Hussars would go on to serve in Egypt, this would not be the last Peacekeeping mission for the 8th Canadian Hussars.
A Squadron would relieve D Squadron in February of 1965. These Hussars set out to improve the relationship with the indigenous peoples. This included providing provisions for the Bedouins and engaging with local leaders. The most serious event of the Squadron's deployment occurred when one of the Squadron's personnel threatened other Hussars with his sub-machine gun. Fortunately, this threat was quickly neutralized. Ultimately, a lively social life sprang-up for the Hussars. There were dances and inter-squadron sports to keep the peacekeepers occupied.
A Squadron would be the last of the Hussars to participate in Peacekeeping with the UNEFI in Gaza. At the end of 1965, the Squadron was informed that they would be rotated out. A Squadron would lower their flags in February of 1966. Their positions would be taken up by the Brazilians in the North and the Yugoslavs in the South. While no additional Hussars would go on to serve in Egypt, this would not be the last Peacekeeping mission for the 8th Canadian Hussars.
Hussars Observation Post - Sinai Desert
Bibliography
Information Technology Section/ Department of Public Information. United Nations Emergency Force I https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/past/unefi.htm
Sabretache, 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's). Issue 1/66. CFB Petawawa, 30 June 1966
Sabretache, 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's). 1964
The 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) 1962-1987
Editors note: As a memorial to Tpr Bons and Cpl Wallace, their vehicle pennant, recovered from the site, is on permanent display at the 8th Hussars Museum in Sussex, NB