Throughout World Battle II, Cyprus performed a major function as a strategic base for the Allies, regardless of not being instantly invaded by Axis forces.
The island, then a British colony, was essential for its geographical location within the Jap Mediterranean, serving as a provide and coaching base, in addition to a naval and air station.
In case you look fastidiously, you’ll nonetheless see previous fortifications scattered across the shoreline.
Cyprus skilled restricted air raids in the course of the battle, primarily from the Italian and German air forces.
The primary Axis bombing of Cyprus passed off on September 22, 1940. Many of those raids are listed within the Bygones part of the Famagusta Gazette.
The island’s defenses had been initially weak, with no anti-aircraft artillery and only a few plane.
Nonetheless, because the battle progressed, Cyprus was closely bolstered to counter the specter of additional assaults.
One of the vital notable contributions of Cyprus to the battle effort was the formation of the Cyprus Regiment in 1940.
This navy unit, created by the British authorities, consisted of volunteers from numerous ethnic backgrounds, together with Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites, and Latins.
The regiment served in a number of key campaigns, together with the Battle of France, the Greek Marketing campaign, the North African Marketing campaign, and the Italian Marketing campaign.
The Cyprus Regiment was praised for its bravery and dedication, with Winston Churchill commending the troopers for his or her honorable service.
Along with the Cyprus Regiment, many Cypriots volunteered to struggle below British command. By the top of the battle, greater than 30,000 Cypriots had served within the British forces.
These volunteers participated in numerous campaigns, together with the Greek marketing campaign, the place they fought towards the Axis invasion of Greece in 1940.
The battle additionally had a major impression on the political panorama of Cyprus.
Through the battle, the British authorities hinted at resolving the Cyprus downside, elevating hopes amongst Greek Cypriots for enosis (union with Greece).
Nonetheless, these guarantees weren’t fulfilled, resulting in elevated political activism and the formation of recent political events, such because the Progressive Celebration of the Working Individuals (AKEL). The postwar interval noticed an increase in nationalist sentiments and a continued wrestle for self-determination.
