At the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, the British government realized that it had to keep the Suez Canal open at all costs because it was the primary sea route connecting Britain to its far-flung eastern colonies. The Suez bordered Egypt, a nominal Turkish province, and, when Turkey became involved in the war on Germany's side in 1915, Turkey attacked the canal. As a result the British declared war on Turkey and began an offensive against the Ottoman forces and their German advisers. The British, aided by various Arab groups, swept north through Palestine, Jordan, and Syria to Turkey's ultimate defeat in October 1918.

Reprint. Originally published: Philadelphia : Lippincott, 1964. (Great battles of history).

Egypt, Sinai, and Palestine: the past -- Waiting for the whistle -- Plans and preparations -- Bulfin opens the gate ; Chetwode maneuvers in the hills --The cavalry finds the G in gap -- Chaytor achieves much with little -- Unleashing of the Arabs -- Pursuit to Damascus -- Tragedy in Damascus -- The final phase -- Lessons of the conflict -- What good came of it at last?