Seventy years ago this month, at just 19 years of age, I began my two years of National Service in the Army, serving overseas during the period in history known as the Cyprus Emergency (1955-59).
Also undertaking National Service in similar circumstances was Martin Bell, who years later became a respected war correspondent.
In 2015 he wrote a book giving a graphic personal account of his time during the operation against the EOKA rebels who opposed British rule in the country.
He summed up the situation in these words: “A hard and bitter struggle between the forces of law and order an utterly ruthless terrorist movement run by a church, prepared to use any means to secure political ends.”
The UK forces were engaged in trying to keep the peace between the Greek and Turkish communities and to assist in round up suspects for further interrogation. During this period, 371 British servicemen sadly died – a fact largely forgotten today.
I can still remember a few scary moments when my unit took over nighttime duties in the Larnaca area from the Middlesex Regiment. However, Cyprus also holds more pleasant memories as in later years we returned for memorable family holidays.
Amazingly, conflict still exists in Cyprus between the two communities. The United Nations now provides a peacekeeping role, which has helped to lessen the violence.
However, bitter dialogue takes place daily between politicians on both sides. It is a far better situation, although it is not ideal.
Will it ever end, I wonder?
P Spencer
Belgrave Road
Spalding
