This book contributes to the growing literature on the role of the British non-settler empire in the Great War by exploring the service of the Cypriot Mule Corps on the Salonica Front, and after the war in Constantinople. Varnava encompasses all aspects of the story of the Mule Corps, from the role of the animals to the experiences of the men driving them both during and after the war, as well as how and why this significant story in the history of Cyprus and the British Empire has been forgotten.

Serving the empire in the Great War will be of great value to anyone interested in the impact of the Great War upon the British Empire in the Mediterranean, and vice- versa.

Reviews

'Andrekos Varnava's new book explores all aspects of a mostly unknown, yet important story; that of the Cypriot Mules Corps during the First World War. Through an impressive archival research that goes into extensive detail, and a unique photo collection, Varnava sheds light on an overlooked and forgotten part of the history of Cyprus.'
Britain and the World

Introduction
1 Historiography and theories
2 British Cyprus, 1878-1918: from backwater to bustling war
base
3 The formation of the Cypriot Mule Corps
4 Mule and muleteer recruitment: pushed or pulled?
5 Contracts, challenges, hardships and the 'liminal space'
6 Conditions for mules and muleteers
7 Muleteer behaviour during service
8 Veterans and their families after service
9 Remembering and forgetting the Cypriot Mule Corps
Conclusion
Select bibliography
Index