Cyprus participation in the Second World War

Following the British declaration of war on Germany on September 1, 1939, Cyprus, as a British colony since 1925, entered the conflict. On September 8, 1939, the Governor of Cyprus ordered the first mobilization of men aged 18 to 30, specifically unmarried individuals, to serve in the British Army. By October 6, 1939, an initial group of 54 Cypriot soldiers were selected and deployed to Egypt and subsequently to France in early January 1940. This made Cyprus the first British colony to send troops to the war. The Cyprus Regiment was established in February 1940, followed by the Cyprus Volunteer Force in June 1940. Historical analysis suggests that many Cypriots joined the British forces in hopes of securing future independence from Britain. Additionally, the Cypriot population mobilized in support of the war effort following the Italian invasion of Greece in October 1940.