The 8th Hussars in Cyprus By Matthew Gamble

United Nations involvement in Cyprus began in earnest following outbreaks of violence between the island’s Greek and Turkish communities. After nearly one-hundred years of British rule, the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus gained independence in the summer of 1960. In subsequent months, the island was plagued by political instability and growing hostilities between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. British efforts to reach a peaceful settlement proved unsuccessful and by 1963, both camps were engaged in open conflict. In response, Turkey threatened military intervention, while the military junta in Athens continued to support aggressive action taken by Greek Cypriots.  To its credit, the United Nations was able to act relatively swiftly. Following appeals by the British government and Greek Cypriot community, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolution 186, which called for the creation of United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), aimed at restoring law and order to the island. Shortly thereafter, a 6 500-strong United Nations contingent arrived on Cyprus to begin its mission. The 8th Hussars would soon join the mission, serving as UN peacekeepers. 

​In January 1966, 'B' Squadron of the 8th Canadian Hussars learned that it would not be headed to Egypt, as the men had anticipated. Instead, they would be headed for Cyprus to join the newly christened UN peacekeeping force on the island. With Major St. Aubin in command, the main force left Canada on 13 April 1966 for a six-month tour with the United Nations. While on the island, the Squadron had three main roles: escorting convoys of Greek Cypriot civilian vehicles through Turkish Cypriot areas, long range reconnaissance patrols, and the manning of observation posts in the North-West sector of the island. Despite being peacekeepers, their mission was still fraught with risk. Fighting could break out at any time, and the island was littered with unexploded ordinance.
            Upon their island arrival, the Hussars began repair and maintenance on a collection of formerly civilian houses that would come to be known as Fort Worthington, the place the men would call home. Once the necessary preparations were made, the Hussars got to work. Operations typically involved patrolling through contested areas, and monitoring the activities of belligerents. The mere presence of UN peacekeepers was hoped to prove a stabilizing presence. Such missions were often conducted outside the wire, far from the safety of the camp. On two separate occasions, the Hussars spent periods of 29 and 33 days on continuous duty outside the camp. Conditions on the island were hot and dry, so the battle with dehydration was constant. With their mission complete, the men returned to Canada on 14 October 1966. During their deployment, the Hussars suffered one casualty: Trooper L. Nass. 

​By 1974, the situation on Cyprus had deteriorated considerably, following a violent coup d'état orchestrated by hard-line Greek Cypriots. The response from Ankara was swift and brutal. Within five days, Turkish Armed Forces launched an amphibious invasion of the island. Once again, tensions threatened to boil over as Turkish troops seized vast swaths of territory on the island’s northern side. Shortly thereafter, thanks to international pressure, a cease-fire was signed, and the perpetrators of the coup on the island were removed from power. From this point forward, however, the island would be formally divided by what became known as the Green Line, with Greek Cypriots administering the south, and Turkey administering the north.
            By mid-June, 1978 the Hussars were once again making preparations for deployment to Cyprus. Exercise GREEN LINE was held towards the end of July, and simulated the conditions of the buffer zone separating Greek and Turkish forces. The Hussars were tested on their reactions to a wide range of possible incidents designed to get the men accustomed to peacekeeping, including the manning of mock outposts de-escalation training. Once their training was complete, the men were ready for deployment.
            On 21 September 1978, the 8th Hussars departed Petawawa for a six-month tour in Cyprus under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Billings. This time, their task was to maintain peace in the volatile capital city of Nicosia; no easy task given the proximity of Greek and Turkish forces in the city. Upon arrival, the Regiment began to man twelve observation posts stretching from east to west. Meanwhile, Regimental Headquarters Reece troop patrolled the entire line, day and night. During their deployment, most of the contingent was lodged at the Ledra Palace, once a five-star hotel. The rest of the men were barracked at the Blue Beret Camp and Camp Maple Leaf. 

​While in Cyprus, the Hussars were treated to a number of high-profile visitors. These included the Minister of National Defence, the Colonel of the Regiment, TV-host Michelle Finney, Miss Edmonton Eskimo, and Miss Grey Cup, among many others. Additionally, each soldier was given a two-week break during the tour to either visit the island, or head to another country. Most soldiers opted to visit their wives at CFB Lahr.
            This time, the tour went off without a hitch. The men recall that the six months passed relatively quickly, thanks in part to the pace of operations. Thanks to countless amenities on the island, along with visits from high profile entertainers, morale remained high throughout the deployment. In April 1978, the Regiment returned home to CFB Petawawa.  
            Today the conflict in Cyprus remains frozen in time. The island continues to remain divided, and the United Nations retains a small presence there.