When were British troops in Cyprus?

When were British troops in Cyprus?

And it’s going nowhere. Cyprus became a British protectorate in 1912; by 1922, it was a crown colony. It gained independence in 1960, on the proviso that Britain maintained its military territories. Today, the two UK Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) occupy nearly three per cent of Cyprus.

What army regiment is in Cyprus?

British Forces Cyprus (BFC) The Army presence includes two resident infantry battalions and supporting arms such as the Royal Logistics Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Military Police and others located in both SBAs.

How many British soldiers died in Cyprus EOKA?

1956 and 1957 were the peak years of the EOKA campaign. The total British servicemen killed throughout the entire campaign was 371.

Did British troops fight in Cyprus?

In the early 1950s a Greek-Cypriot revolt in favour of union with mainland Greece began in British-controlled Cyprus. The insurrection failed to achieve that, but Cyprus was eventually declared an independent republic. British troops remain on the island to this day as part of a United Nations peacekeeping force.

Why is there a British army base in Cyprus?

The United Kingdom retains a military presence on the island in order to keep a strategic location at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, for use as a staging point for forces sent to locations in the Middle East and Asia.

Is there an army base in Cyprus?

British Forces Cyprus (BFC) is the name given to the British Armed Forces stationed in the UK Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on the island of Cyprus and at a number of related ‘retained sites’ in the Republic of Cyprus.

Are EOKA terrorists?

EOKA-B (/eɪˈoʊkə/) was a Greek Cypriot paramilitary organisation formed in 1971 by General Georgios Grivas (“Digenis”). Due to its attacks on civilians, it was considered a terrorist organization and was outlawed by the Republic of Cyprus.

Why is Cyprus important to the UK?

Britain promised to use Cyprus as a base to protect the Ottoman Empire from Russia, according to the secret Cyprus Convention agreement. The island served Britain as a key military base protecting the Suez Canal and especially the sea route to British India, which was then Britain’s most important overseas possession.

How many British forces does Cyprus have?

British Forces Cyprus
Size 3,500 military personnel 7,000 civilians
Part of UK Ministry of Defence
Garrison/HQ Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Cyprus
Commanders

What was the Cyprus Regiment WW2?

Cyprus Regiment. The Cyprus Regiment was a military unit of the British Army. Created by the British Government during World War II, it was mostly made up of volunteers from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot inhabitants of Cyprus, but also included other Commonwealth nationalities.

How did Cyprus become a British colony?

1914 – Cyprus annexed by Britain, after more than 300 years of Ottoman rule. Britain had occupied the island in 1878, although it remained nominally under Ottoman sovereignty. 1925 – Becomes British colony. 1955 – Greek Cypriots begin guerrilla war against British rule in pursuit of unification with Greece.

Who was the first president of Cyprus?

Archbishop Makarios was the first president 1914 – Cyprus annexed by Britain, after more than 300 years of Ottoman rule. Britain had occupied the island in 1878, although it remained nominally under Ottoman sovereignty. 1925 – Becomes British colony.

What happened in Cyprus in 1959?

1955 – Greek Cypriots begin guerrilla war against British rule in pursuit of unification with Greece. 1956 – Archbishop Makarios, head of enosis campaign, deported to the Seychelles. 1959 – Archbishop Makarios returns and is elected president.

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