This volume in the Official History of The Great War covers the early stages of the Middle East theatre - from the outbreak of war to June 1917. After a brief background to the situation in Egypt in August 1914, and the opening of hostilities with Turkey at the end of October, this volume concerns itself with the defence of Egypt against invasion by the Turks from the east and their allied Arab tribesman of the western desert; the role of Egypt in the concentration of forces for, and subsequent evacuation of, Gallipoli; the expulsion of the Turks from the Sinai Peninsula; and concludes with the First and Second Battles of Gaza.

It also includes the early stages of the Arab campaign against the Turks in the Hejaz - immortalised by Col. T.E. Lawrence 'of Arabia'.