As National Peacekeepers’ Day approaches (9 August), the CMEA recognizes that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the United Nations Emergency Force that operated in Gaza and the Sinai from 1956 until 1967. Its first commander was Canadian Lieutenant-General E. L. M. Burns who commanded UNEF until 1959. Readers may recall that General Burns commanded the First Canadian Corps during the Italian Campaign and was originally an RCE Officer.
The Force was authorized by the Security Council on 19 November 1956. General Burns had already dispatched Canadian troops to Naples, Italy and the Force arrived in Egypt in the next weeks. Canada's initial contribution was generous. Up to 2500 all ranks were authorized: Army, 1260,;Navy, 600; and Air Force, 600. The RCN transported men, vehicles and equipment on their aircraft carrier, HMCS Magnificient, the RCAF provided air lift and the Army contributed an infantry battalion and a range of support services to UNEF HQ.
The engineers made a significant contribution to the force. 1 Middle East Detachment, RCE provided field engineer, works and survey support to the Force HQ. The official CME history records:
"Work for the engineers began immediately and, by 1 December, newspapers at home were reporting on their exploits as they removed mines which had been laid by Egyptian, Israeli, British and French forces. Other early tasks included operating patrol boats on the Suez Canal; manning the water supply plant in Port Said; setting up and Operating a map depot containing almost 40,000 maps; constructing two 1,200-yard runways at El Arish and Sharm El Sheik; rehabilitating and maintaining four camps for some 4,000 troops; and running a diesel railway for Red Crescent food and fuel oil supplies. The latter was unexpected and it exemplified sapper versatility when four Canadian sappers who had experience in railway and diesel engine operation and maintenance stepped forward."
UNEF ceased operations in 1967, days before the out break of the Six Days War.