Cyprus

[Mike Jackson]

Of possible interest to those who have served in Cyprus; on the left the commonplace beret badge of the Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG) (mid-1980s pattern) and from the same period the very rare badge (note the dove) of the Cyprus Army. In the 1980s the Cyprus Army was technically kept in being, in constitutional terms, by the posting to it of a very small number of officers from the GCNG. It was thus kept in being in cadre form in the hope of eventual re-unification of the two halves of the island. I do not know of the so-called Cyprus Army still exists.
GCNG and Cyprus Army.01.jpg

[engr9266]

Yes Mike, Still a very strong concern, not only Army but Navy & Air Force. The Badges are quite easy to obtain, I have a friend in Nicosia who sells them on e bay. Your first badge looks good but it could be the Greek Army? Here are a few badges:-

[Mike Jackson]

Excellent collection - things have got rather more sophisticated since the mid-1980s. At that time the GCNG's only armoured vehicles were early WW2 vintage Marmon-Herrington Armoured Cars - which went for scrap in South Africa and were cut in half with a torch before disposal. The buyers bought the bits and welded them together again. The GCNG was at that time extremely security conscious and were particularly sensitive about the Hellenic Army Raiding Forces Unit (known as ELDYK) stationed at Stavravouni Monastery.
GCNG Marmon Herringtons.jpg