This is the story of the British involvement with the island of Cyprus over 100 years. Since World War I, Cyprus has played a key role in British defense 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 favorite 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.

Mark Simmons gained the Green Beret and passed the Commando course to serve in the Royal Marines. He has written some 125 feature articles mainly on naval/military and travel subjects. He is a correspondent for Warships International Fleet Review magazine, and he runs an internet bookshop Rowan Oak Books. He is the author of The Battle of Matapan 1941, The Rebecca Code and Agent Cicero.