The British and Cyprus: An Outpost of Empire to Sovereign Bases, 1878-1974

By: Mark Simmons

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Synopsis: This is the story of the British involvement with the island of Cyprus over a hundred years. Since World War I, Cyprus has played a key role in British defence strategy. After the withdrawal from Egypt the island became the British Middle East headquarters. Britain retains two sovereign bases on the island, and it has become a favourite with UK tourists. Much of the tale is oral history, told in the words of the people who served the British Crown on Cyprus, civil and military; many relate their experiences first hand. There are fascinating accounts from Royal Marine Commandos, and soldiers of the Parachute Regiment along with other Army units, and the thoughts of sailors and airmen, and civilians of the Colonial Service and those who served in the Cyprus Police, of service wives and writers, most not published before.