# Cypriot Mule Corps (1916–1919)

URL: https://allhistories.com/cyprus/timeline/1916-cypriot-mule-corps
Location: Salonika, Greece
Themes: Key Events

When the Allied armies opened the Macedonian (Salonika) front against Bulgaria and the Central Powers, they needed large numbers of pack animals and handlers to supply troops in the mountains. Cyprus, with a long tradition of mule transport, became a recruiting ground. The Macedonian Mule Corps was formed in 1916, and the first 150 Cypriot muleteers landed at Salonika on 25 July 1916, followed by 796 more on 2 August. In total 12,288 Cypriots served, roughly 20 per cent of men aged 18 to 39, attracted partly by pay of 90 drachmas a month with food and clothing. Most were Greek Cypriots, but by 1918 about 11 per cent of recruits were Turkish Cypriots, despite opposition to the war from Turkish Cypriot political leaders. After the armistice many extended their service at Constantinople, Gallipoli, Varna and elsewhere, and some served in the intervention in southern Russia. The corps was dissolved in March 1919. About 40 Cypriot muleteers lie in Commonwealth war cemeteries in Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey and Georgia. Greek Cypriots hoped their contribution would be rewarded with enosis after the war, but this did not happen.

## Why it matters
The Mule Corps was the largest Cypriot contribution to the First World War.

Ruler at the Time: [George V](https://allhistories.com/cyprus/rulers/george-v)

High Commissioner of Cyprus: John Clauson

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Macedonian Mule Corps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_Mule_Corps)
- [The National Archives (UK) — Macedonian Mule Corps records](https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C16161)
- [Wikipedia — British Cyprus (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Cyprus)