The UK has been involved in Cyprus for over 125 years. Strategically placed in the Eastern Mediterranean, it was initially ideal for protection of the Suez Canal and more recently as a 'listening post' for the troubled Middle East and southern flank of NATO. The British faced two serious problems ? the first, the Greek Cypriots' desire for Enosis, (union with Greece) and, second, the intense rivalry and antipathy between the Greek and Turkish communities. In 1955 the former resulted in a bitter EOKA terrorist campaign led by Colonel George Grivas. This resulted in the deaths of over 100 British servicemen. Nicosia's 'Murder Mile' was the scene of many shootings. The Governor Field Marshal Harding narrowly escaped assassination in his residence. Even British families were targeted. The next phase was the Turkish Government's military intervention in 1974 to prevent what they saw as the Greek take-over. In a bloody invasion which saw widespread 'ethnic cleansing' and displacement of communities, the Island was divided into two sectors policed by the United Nations. This exists today, as do the British Sovereign Base areas at Dhekalia and Atrokiri/Episkopi. This book describes the most troubled years of this beautiful island which is so well known to British servicemen, their families and holiday makers. AUTHOR: Nick van der Bijl is a regular author for Pen and Sword with a range of titles covering the Falklands War, Indonesia, Northern Ireland and Cyprus. SELLING POINTS: Interest in the much troubled Mediterranean island and Britain's long and continuing presence Covers the EOKA Terrorist campaign and the Greek-Turkish disputes and war Cyprus was the scene of one of the first UN peace-keeping operations, which is still in place today Interest to military historians as well as those who know the Island as a holiday destination 16 pages of b/w plates
