The Maltese Labour Corps during World War I

Abstract

The participation by Maltese troops abroad has been limited. During the First World War Malta was not directly involved, yet during this time a significant overseas deployment did take place. It did not take the form of front line troops; rather it was some 5,600 locally enlisted men who volunteered for overseas service with the Maltese Labour Corps. At least 120 men lost their lives on active service, very often from disease. They are buried across various cemeteries mostly in Greece. It is a deployment that has received little attention and is all but forgotten. This paper seeks to tell their story and to remember the service these men provided.