On this day 6 November 1956

Following a beach landing by 40 and 42 Commando, the first ever assault landing by helicopter took place with 10 Whirlwinds of 845 NAS from HMS Theseus and Sycamores from HMS Ocean. Within five minutes of receiving the order to go, all helicopters were airborne, flying low towards their target at 17 knots. The first wave of Royal Marines were landed in Port Said. As the marines of the first wave safely disembarked from helicopters, the Whirlwinds immediately returned to the aircraft carriers, to lift more of 45 Commando. All 415 men of 45 Commando and 25 tons of their equipment, were lifted ashore by helicopter within one hour and 45 minutes. The helicopters continued to supply the Royal Marines and evacuate casualties back to the ships.

The success of this operation led to the conversion of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark as commando carriers.