Cyprus, November 2024, 60th Anniversary of United Nations Peacekeeping in Cyprus

60th Anniversary of United Nations Peacekeeping in Cyprus

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On 4 March 1964, the United Nations Security Council, alarmed by the escalation of intercommunal violence on the island, adopted its resolution 186 and decided that the situation demanded the establishment of a United Nations Peacekeeping Force and the appointment of a mediator on the Cyprus issue. By the end of 1964, approximately 6,300 peacekeepers from Austria, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, and United Kingdom had formed UNFICYP and established their presence at various locations around the island as they began to work in the impartial, diligent, and caring manner that would set the tone for the decades to come. Sixty years later, more than 150,000 peacekeepers from 43 countries have served with UNFICYP and contributed to the fulfilment of its mandate. Sadly, 187 peacekeepers and staff have lost their lives while serving with the Mission, paying the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace. “We honour their memory and pay tribute to their incredible dedication to bringing peace to a faraway country that is not their own. There is no more concrete evidence of the commitment of UN Member States to the cause of peace than the lives they have put on the line as part of United Nations Peacekeeping efforts,” said Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Colin Stewart.

During my service in the Canadian Forces, I had the privilege of serving in the Canadian Airborne Regiment.  I took part in one of its deployments with the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), from Aug 1986 to Feb 1987. Through a series of fortunate circumstances, I was nominated to represent the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA) through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) on a pilgrimage back to the island to commemorate the 60^th Anniversary of UN Operations in Cyprus.

Canadian Airborne Regiment, Officers in Cyprus, Fall 1986.

Top row: Capt R.R. Gillis (Dental O), Capt Steve C. Tighe (DCO Svc Cdo HQ), Capt J.D. Gilbert (Welfare O), Capt R.W. Courtice (Med O), Capt Reg E. Gilbert (Chaplain (P))

5th row: Capt Robert A. Elvish (R Maint O), Capt S.G. Laplante (Engr O, Pnr Pl), Capt J. Marcoux (Chaplain (RC)), Lt G.G. Ramsay (Acct O).

4th row: Capt Harold A. Skaarup (Ops B, Info), Capt Pat H. McAdam (PL Comd, Recce Pl), Lt  Jeff D.J. Drummond (254 Sqn), Lt Jeff D.J. Howes (DO1, JOC), Capt Rick B. Fawcett (Sigs O/DCO, AB HQ & Sig Sqn).

3rd row: Capt David P. Wilson (DCO, 2 Cdo, Adm O), Capt Michael J. Beaudette (Ops O, 2 Cdo), Capt Davod G. Hirter (Ops O, JOC), Capt Richard Holt (Ops H, Econ), Lt Dave J. Marshall (Comd, 5 Pl), Capt C.T. McKnight (Comd, 6 Pl), Capt Ian M. Hunt (Comd, 7 PL).

2nd row: Capt J.A.V. Richard Blanchette (O Op, 1er Cdo), Lt J.P.G. Martel (Cmdt, PON 1), Capt J. Mitch McLeod (RQM), Capt J.D. Danny Mantion (RTO, Tpt Pl), Lt Yung Jin Hou (PA Comd), Lt J.J.R. Larivière (Cmdt, PON 2), Lt J.R.M. Dufort (Cmdt, PON 3).

Front Row, seated: Capt Mark Moo Sang (R Adjt), Maj Peter G. Kenward (CO, 2 Cdo), Maj J.J.M. Talbot (Cmdt, 1er Cdo), Col J.M.R. Gaudreau (Sector Comd), Maj Greg B. Mitchell (Deputy Comd), Maj J.L. Pavelich (CO, HQ & Sigs Sqn), Maj Allan F. Stephen (CO, Svc Cdo HQ), Capt Randy J. Kemp (Ops O, JOC).

Missing from Photo: Capt J.P.D. Giguère (O Adm, 1er Cdo), and Capt E.M. Thorson (DO 3, JOC).

Canada was an original contributor to UN Force in Cyprus, along with Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, Britain, Austria and Finland. The contingent arrived in March 1964 by Air Transport Command and HMCS Bonaventure, and included brigade headquarters, 1st Battalion R22eR, Recce Squadron (RCD), RCEME, RC Service and Ordinance Corps. Until 1993, Canada maintained a unit-sized contingent, rotating every six months, first in the Kyrenia Mountains, then in Nicosia since 1969. Over 25,000 Canadian Forces personnel served on the island. Every Canadian infantry battalion deployed at least once, plus artillery and armoured regiments were rerolled for Cyprus duty.

1974 was a turning point in the Middle East and for Canadian peacekeepers. In Cyprus, two members of NATO, Greece and Turkey, were at war and the Canadians were caught in the middle of a coup d’état and an invasion. It was a deadly time for the Canadian Armed Forces, with casualties in Cyprus and the loss of nine members on UN Flight 51 over Syria. Since 1964, 28 Canadians have died while serving in Cyprus. Today, the Canadian contribution is a staff officer in UNFICYP HQ.

(Nobel Foundation, Associated Press Photo, 1957)

Lester Bowles "Mike" Pearson, PC, OM, CC, OBE (23 April 1897 – 27 December 1972), 14th Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968.  He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for organizing the first peacekeeping force.

Author Richard Lawrence wrote, "Sixty years ago the longest standing commitment of United Nations Peacekeeping began for Canada on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus in an operation known as UNFICYP.  Prime Minister Lester Pearson had committed Canada as one of four contributing nations to help keep the peace between the warring Greeks Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority on the island. Canadian peacekeepers were the first to arrive and remained in strength until 1993 with more than 33,000 Canadians serving in Cyprus over the years and 28 killed during their service."

"For the next 10 years, the situation remained fragile in Cyprus and UNFICYP could not prevent small groups from carrying out a guerilla war of hit-and-run skirmishes and attacks. Then, on 15 July 1974, Greek officers serving in the Cypriot National Guard, who still supported unification with Greece, staged a coup d’état to force the union. Turkey quickly responded, and on 20 July some 40,000 Turkish soldiers launched an invasion of the northern part of Cyprus to ensure unification did not take place leaving U.N. Peacekeepers caught in the middle.

Turkish forces pressed southward to expand their territory and Canadian peacekeepers evacuated civilians caught in the war zone and placed strategic locations, such as the Nicosia International Airport and the Ledra Palace Hotel, under U.N. control to prevent the Turks from occupying them. The Canadian contingent at the time consisted of 450 soldiers of 1 Commando from the recently formed Canadian Airborne Regiment (CAR). This resulted in Operation Snowgoose where Canada sent the rest of the Airborne Regiment along with heavier weapons and vehicles (M113s, Lynxs, mortars, etc.) into the battle zone.

By the time peace was restored in mid-August, Turkey controlled the northern third of Cyprus, some 3,367 square kilometres. Two Airborne Regiment soldiers, Troopers Gilbert Perron and Jean-Claude Berger, had been killed by rifle fire and more than 30 wounded. Canadian gallantry during the invasion resulted in the award of two Stars of Courage and six Medals of Bravery, as well as five appointments to the Order of Military Merit.

On 23 July 1974 some of our troops came under fire. Several soldiers were hit, including Captain Normand Blaquière. Private Michel Plouffe rushed to give the injured officer first aid but was wounded in the face. Despite being hit, he continued to tend to Blaquière amid the machine gun fire. Captain Alain Forand then arranged for covering fire and crawled forward over exposed ground to help the wounded men. He single-handedly dragged Blaquière to safety and then directed the rescue of Plouffe by Corporal Roland Whelan, Private Joseph Belley and Private Joseph Pelletier. Plouffe and Forand were awarded the Star of Courage for their remarkable actions. Belley, Pelletier and Whelan earned the Medal of Bravery." (Veterans’ Affairs Canada website).

(CF Photo)

Intelligence Branch colleagues who were in Cyprus with the Canadian Airborne Regiment in 1974. MCpl Andre Tremblay, Capt Ian Nicol, MCpl Rick Mader, WO Bill Dixon. The driver is Cpl Garry Hodge, a future Sky Hawk, at Wolseley Barracks, Nicosia.

Future Sky Hawk Team Leader Gerry Vida was there in 1974 as well, shown here with his FNC1 front and centre, parading with the CAR colours.

Back in 1974, I was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Reserve Intelligence Company in Halifax. Time moves on.

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Capt Harold A. Skaarup with a T-34 tank, Peace and Freedom Museum, Alsancak, near Kyrenia, North Cyprus, 1986.  The museum is situated at the point where the first Turkish troops landed in 1974.

(Veterans Affairs Canada Photo)

Author in Nicosia, Cyprus, 11 Nov 2024.

Brigadier General (Retired) Gregory Mitchell CD, BA, MPA, MPS, Principal Investigator, Veterans Research Council, Executive Director at Peace Operations Consulting, and VP of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA), brought me onboard with the nomination for the program.  The Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association commemorates the 140 Canadian military, police, and civilians who died or were killed over the past 76 years while serving on Peacekeeping Missions around the world.

I had agreed to be the CPVA representative on the condition that I bring my wife Faye along at my expense – I had left her behind on too many occasions during my 42 years of military service and did not want to repeat that experience – we thoroughly enjoyed our return to Cyprus.

As the CPVA representative, I needed to update my wardrobe. Ray Kokkenen in the Miramichi supplied a new blue beret, UN tie, cap and blazer badges, nametags and calling cards for the occasion.  Faye and I drove to Moncton on 27 Sep to acquire a dark blue blazer, charcoal grey pants and other items to build my CPVA “uniform”. I proceeded to acquire some Euros, an International Driver’s license at CAAA, get a medical report, and sent in the forms and biography for the CPVA files etc.  Faye and I updated our vaccination records to ensure we had all our ducks in a row before going overseas again.  On 30 Oct, I visited 5 CDSB Gagetown clothing stores to have the blazer and beret badges sewn on to service standard.

On 3 Nov I joined members of the New Brunswick Military History Museum (NBMHM) to attend a screening of the movie “Fallen Heroes” in Fredericton. The film focusses on the Ramp Ceremony in Afghanistan. I would later meet Karen Storwick and the producers of the film when we joined up with them on the tour in Cyprus. Karen attended the tour to Cyprus as the CAR historian.

On Tuesday, 5 Nov we took a taxi to Fredericton airport (YFC) and boarded an Embraer 75 for the flight to Montreal. We were met at the airport by VAC representatives Brianne Peters and Alex Dugal, received lots of useful information and a schedule, and then checked into the Airport Marriot Hotel for the night.

On Wednesday, 6 Nov, we met with the VAC organizers and 16 members of the group we would be traveling to Cyprus with that same day. The VAC Program Staff that supported our overseas event for November 2024 included Jennifer MacLeod, Brianne Peters, Jane MacIsaac, Judy Gallant, Kaylee Doiron, Léonie Roux, Joel Pedersen, Chris Quinn, Patricia Rogriguez, Matt Graham and Alex Dugal.  They guided all the VAC participants through a very interesting and historically intriguing program.

The combined VAC group included Faye and I, Gerald McGregor, Floyd Powder, Shawn Nault, Bradley Mills, Gary Grigg, Ron and Madeleine Griffis, Michelle Hamelin, Sean Darling, John Jewitt, Robert Ouellette, Leona and Leonard Neville, Dr. Andrew Burtch (CWM Historian), MWO Brian Keene, MWO Alan Clark, Bdr Hudson Throness, LCdr David Jackson, S/Sgt Jean-Francois Leduc, Sgt Kelly Willis, Cst Rohel Williams, Jennifer MacLeod, Jane MacIsaac, Judy Gallant, Kaylee Doiron, Patricia Rodriguez, Chris Quinn, Joel Pederson, Léonie Roux, Brianne Peters, Louis Saint-Amand, Julie Papanicolaou, LCol Alex Bolduc Leblanc, Matthew Graham, Alex Dugal. In Cyprus, we were accompanied by our intrepid photographer, Komninos Komninou.

At 6pm we boarded an Airbus A300-300 for the flight to Frankfurt, Germany. While waiting for the next flight, we were joined by Jim Ogden. Jim and I had served together on the Canadian Forces Parachute Team (CFPT), the Sky Hawks, in Edmonton in 1978, and later with the Canadian Airborne Regiment, Special Service Force (SSF) at CFB Petawawa.  It was great to see him.

The author and Jim Ogden.

(Author Photo)

1980 CFPT Training Camp: Back row, left to right: Cpl Ondrej Simun, unidentified, Capt Hal Skaarup, MCpl Pat Turpin sitting on LS Paul Aikens shoulders, Pte Alain Dore, Sgt Bill Greenshields, Sgt Wayne Sabean.  Front row, left to right: MCpl Rick Vance, MCpl Don O’Connor, unidentified, WO Tom Holland, MCpl Jim Ogden, MCpl Bruno Caron.

(A. Savin Photo)

(Dickelbers Photo)

This flag of Northern Cyprus is painted on the southern slope of the Kyrenia Mountains. It is reportedly 425 metres wide and 250 metres high, and is illuminated at night.

After our stopover in Frankfurt, on Thursday, 7 Nov, we boarded an Airbus A321neo for the 3-1/2hr flight to Larnaca Airport in Cyprus. We then had a one hr bus ride to the Hilton Hotel in Nicosia. Nothing was familiar until we came within range of a view of the Turkish flag marked with painted stones clearly visible on the side of a mountain north of Nicosia. That evening we were treated to a Greek Cypriot Folklore dinner. I found Pierre Deschenes and his partner, who I had jumped with on the CFPT in 1977, and Karl Ozols who I jumped with in 1980.  It gave my heart a real lift to see them.

The author and Pierre Deschenes.

Pierre had flown as the lead on our CFPT diamond formation jump, with me on the left, Murray McConnell on the right and Pat Turpin in the slot in April 1977.  On breakoff we would all turn and cross through the middle, leaving a bright red bomb burst in the sky.

(Author Photo)

A flag jump can be very tricky, particularly if you have an extremely large one with three jumpers hanging on to it as they exit the aircraft.  The author chased Murray McConnell, Pierre Deschenes and Pat Turpin off the ramp to get this shot.

(Gerry Vida Photo)

Team photo as we get ready for the day's jumps from the de Havilland CC-138 Twin Otter.  Left to right, the author, Bill Greenshields, Ralph Goebel, Murray McConnell, Pierre Deschenes and Kevin Gammon, 1977.

WO Tom Holland, LCol Bruce Montgomery, Cpl Robby Robinson, Pte Alain Dore, MCpl Denis Simoneau, Sgt Jad Perry, Cpl Karl Ozols, Cpl Bill Tattersall and MCpl Ondrej Simun, Edmonton, 1980.

Greg Jensen and the author.

There were more surprizes– at another table I ran into Greg Jensen and his partner.  Greg was from New Denmark in New Brunswick. Like me, he had served as the CAR Intelligence Officer, and we had served together for many years since the 1980s.  Sitting beside him was Mike Beauvais and partner, and Barry MacDonald and his partner, also Intelligence Officers I had served with for a great many years, and all of whom had served in Cyprus.

The author and Mike Beauvais.

The author and Barry MacDonald.

At other tables, there were many members of the CAR that I had served with, some I had known since the 1970s. Brigadier General Raymond R. Romses OMM, CD, MA, (served two UN tours in Cyprus), had been my Commander at CFB Halifax in 2003. I had jumped with Colonel Rick Hatton, former CO of the 3rd Battalion the Royal Canadian Regiment, and Commandant of Infantry School at CFB Gagetown in 1997, and Lieutenant Colonel Ron Bragdon (completed two tours in Cyprus, one in 1970-71, and another in 1974, right after the conflict had re-erupted), at CFB Petawawa. I had crossed paths with Major General Walter M. Holmes, MBE, MSM, CD, (Honorary Colonel of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada), many times, as well as Lieutenant-General Marc Caron CMM, MSM, CD (he had been with the 1st Airborne Commando in Cyprus from April 1974 when things went south).

(Combined Forces Production Photo)

There were many more familiar faces that I served with, and I am grateful to have had the chance to reconnect with them that evening. I met Karen Storwick, CAR Historian, as well as her husband, and her film-making partner Robert Curtin, for the first time there as well.  Many great conversations began, and many more were to follow during the next few days.

(VAC Photo)

Inside the buffer zone on the Green Line.

(VAC Photo)

Inside the buffer zone on the Green Line.

Members of the Airborne Continent and the year they served in Cyprus:

Gilles Berube 1974, Pierre Deschenes 1974, Karl Ozols 1984, Walter and Lana Holmes 1970, Mel Douglas 1975, Bill Johnson 1976, and 1988, M. Bludd, four tours 1971, 1974, 1984, and 1990, Dan McLaren - his father deployed in 1964, Lawrence (Marcel) Gagne 1971, and 1974, Roland Stewart Williams 1974, Dennis Winzoski 1967, and 1974, John Howie 1977, Terry Claydon 1983, Ron Bragdon 1971, and 1974, John B. Howie 1977, Richard Hatton 1976, Darlene (Clark) Sinnott and Patrick Sinnott, Darlene's father, Howard Clark, 1964-65, and 1977-78, James Holsworth 1974, Danny (Danno) Schut 1974, Jerry Robertson 1974, John Hill 1974, Greg Jensen 1981, Archie Demeria 1974, and 1982, Clay Samis 1974, Patrick Buzzell, Ray White 1979, Rick Williams 1972, Cathie Thompson, Lori Kotuza, Terry Shortt, Marc Caron 1974, Don Chipman 1980-81, Edward Kuzikowski 1980, Marc Comeau,  Lynn Boudreau, Kenneth Riel 1970, Mike Beauvais 1983, and 1995, Ken Berube, with his father Gilles Berube 1974, Bradley Mills 1972, 1973, and 1974, Karen Storwick with husband Jason Magnan.

They were divided into two separate groups to walk inside the Green Line on Friday morning, 8 Nov.

(VAC Photo)

Members of the Canadian Airborne Regiment contingent, 1st group inside the buffer zone for a morning walk on the Green Line.

(VAC Photo)

Members of the Canadian Airborne Regiment contingent, 2nd group inside the buffer zone for a morning walk on the Green Line.

(VAC Photo)

On Friday morning, 8 Nov, our group of 26 VAC participants took part in a walking tour of the Green Line Buffer Zone, 3rd group, guided by British Royal Artillery soldiers, and starting at the site of Beaver Lodge.

(VAC Photo)

Beaver Lodge, inside the Green Line.

Capt Harold A. Skaarup, St Hilarion Castle, in front of the Queen's window which faces north, 1986.

Beaver Lodge brought me back in time. On 22 Aug 1986, The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) Commanding Officer, Col Jim Cox ordered me to be on a British Alouette helicopter, operating in Sector 4, Nicosia, for a reconnaissance flight over Beaver Lodge as the incident played out.  We were expecting an interesting day, with a crisis on the line over a change to the status quo boundaries.  We flew to each end of Sector Four.  I had a good view of the eleven points, or bastions of the old city wall. Later, I walked with Capt “Buck” Buchanan into the Turkish zone and then through the market square to the Selimiye Mosque (former St. Sophia Cathedral).  It was a very hot in August, glad we wore military shorts.

On 28 Aug 1986 at 0700 hours, Canadian snipers and fully armed troops stood to for round three of the simmering confrontation at Beaver Lodge. Extra live ammunition, grenades and rocket launchers were issued to all personnel. Col Cox ordered Major Lorne O’Brien, CO of N Company, to reoccupy Beaver Lodge.  They also retook the chapel that had been occupied by the Turk Wolf Regiment. The action lasted about a week with several serious confrontations.

I had a number of conversations with Lorne, and he said, “I met personally with the Commander of all Turkish Forces in Cyprus in the chapel. I convinced him that we were not leaving the chapel without a fight. He could see by our deployment and weapons that we meant business. He said to me "Major we are NATO allies, not adversaries. This problem will be resolved between Generals and politicians, do you understand." I said, "yes General." He then withdrew the Turkish forces back to their original defensive positions. We remained in the Chapel. Thank God we had the good fortune to deal with an extremely competent Turkish General who was professional, calm, a man of his word and a real gentleman. More importantly. Thank God, I had a competent, well-trained Company who convinced the Commander of all Turkish forces in Cyprus that they meant business. Shout out to Captain Drew Halpenny who Commanded the Reserve Company in immediate support. We planned and executed the operation together.”  To say there was an easing of one’s breathing on all sides in the dispute once the tension settled, would be a great understatement. (E-mails, Lorne O’Brien – Harold A. Skaarup, Dec 2020)

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(Cpl S.C. Banning, CAR Photo)

OP C-73 Paphos Gate, the western entrance to the walled city of Nicosia, with two Iltis on patrol. This was on the Green Line as I walked it in 1986-87, with a Canadian sentry overlooking the Canadian vehicles.

On Friday, 8 November we walked along a section of the Green Line in the Buffer Zone. During the walk through the Green Line, many specific memories came to mind. Turk and Greek soldiers could be severely punished for falling asleep on duty, so when they saw one of their officers approaching, they would stand to and begin shouting the praises of their fighting spirit (thereby warning the next sentry in line to pay attention).  As soldiers from other nations often do, they would also shout a warning to Canadian sentries on Observation Post (OP) duty. Our regiment at the time I was there was composed of Francophone soldiers in 1é Commando, and PPCLI soldiers in 2 Commando.  When I had to cross through the Buffer Zone on foot from our HQ at Wolesley Barracks, a Canadian soldier at one of the various checkpoints would spring to attention and shout “Prendre Gard!” The immediate response was to salute and shout “Commando!”  Turk, Greek, and Canadian sentries would all smile, knowing that all of them were paying attention to their duties, even though they were technically on opposite sides of the line.

(CAR Photo)

I also well remember our CAR CO, then Col Gaudreau, making a point of celebrating Christmas eve by presenting us with our UNFICYP medals at Wolesley Barracks.  My privilege to be in charge of the Company on parade that evening.

The UN medal was introduced in UNFICYP in 1964 to recognise a minimum of 90 days of duty in Cyprus. The bronze medal has a wreathed globe emblem with the letters UN mounted above it. On the reverse is the inscription “In the service of peace”. The medal ribbon has three equal bars, one in white in the centre, and two in the United Nations blue on both sides; the bars are separated by two narrow bands of dark blue symbolising the Mediterranean Sea. The medal has been awarded for various supervisory or observation roles with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus since 1964. For each subsequent tour over the initial qualifying 90 days, a silver numeral is affixed to the ribbon.

UN Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Medal.

In the interest of international peace and security, the Mission was established in March 1964 to use its best efforts to prevent the recurrence of fighting between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and, as necessary, to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of law and order and a return to normal conditions. Since the hostilities of 1974, the mandate has included supervising the cease-fire and maintaining a buffer zone between the lines of the Cyprus National Guard and of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces.

In 1988, shortly after my tour in Cyprus with the Canadian Airborne Regiment, the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to all United Nations Peacekeepers in recognition of their collective efforts in the cause of peace. This inspired the creation of the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM) to acknowledge the unique contribution to peace that Canadian peacekeepers have made since 1947. Almost 125,000 Canadian personnel have served in peacekeeping missions over the past 76 years. This record is unsurpassed by any nation. This tradition in the “service of peace” continues today.

Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM)

(VAC Photo)

WO Robert Ouellette (Knowledge Keeper/Drummer), RCMP Cst Rohel Williams, Eagle Staff Carrier, Métis Elder Leona Neville, and her partner Leonard Neville, CWO Joel Pedersen, RCMP Sgt Kelly Willis, Eagle Staff Carrier, RCMP S/Sgt Jean-Francois Leduc, taking part in the UN 60^th Anniversary Memorial located at the Ledra Palace, Nicosia, 8 Nov 2024.

In the afternoon of 8 November we took part in an Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony with medals and a formal ceremony. This took place at the Ledra Palace just below the apartment I had lived in during my tour there in 1986-87.

I note that a number of participants in this ceremonial event have written about their experience there as well.  The Government of Canada delegation included the High Commissioner, Her Excellency Karine Asselin. During the Indigenous Veterans Day ceremonies in Nicosia, Assistant Deputy Minister, CPA Amy Meunier wrote,

“Today, on Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of Indigenous Veterans who have served Canada, often without the recognition or respect they deserved. For too long, Indigenous Veterans’ contributions were overlooked, and their cultural identities dismissed. Yet, they served with pride, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to protecting peace and freedom. I’m deeply humbled to be here in Cyprus with a Canadian delegation, marking the 60th anniversary of UN peacekeeping efforts, where many indigenous Veterans served. As we commemorate this milestone, let us also renew our commitment to ensuring all Veterans are honored, respected, and recognized for their invaluable service. Today and always, we remember. Thank you to all Indigenous Veterans and their families for your enduring sacrifices.”

(VAC Photo)

The VAC group at the Hotel in Nicosia preparing to take part in the commemorative ceremonies for Aboriginal Veterans in Cyprus. Harold Skaarup (CPVA), Shawn Nault (MMF), Michelle Hamelin (RVC), R22eR, LCdr David Jackson (RCN Padre), S/Sgt Jean-Francois Leduc (RCMP), Sean Darling (RCMPVA), Gary Grigg (ANAVETS), Bdr Hudson Throness (Bugler), Ron Griffis (CAVUNP), Leonard Neville and  Elder Leona Neville (Métis), Cst Rohel Williams (Eagle Staff Carrier), Sgt Kelly Willis (Eagle Staff Carrier),  Robert Ouellette (Knowledge Keeper/Drummer), MWO Alan Clark (Piper), CWO Joel Pedersen (Indigenous Advisor)

We had a very significant group representing our First Nations veterans in attendance.  These included Canada’s High Commissioner, Her Excellency Karine Asselin, CAC Assistant Deputy Minister, CPA Amy Meunier, Gerald McGregor, former CAR, representing the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Floyd Powder, representing the Métis National Council (MNC), and Shawn Nault, representing the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF).

(VAC Photo)

Ron and Madeleine Griffis.

Bradley Mills represented the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), Gary Grigg represented the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS), Ron Griffis accompanied by his wife Madeleine Griffis, represented the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP).

Michelle Hamelin represented the Rainbow Veterans of Canada (RVC). I participated on behalf of the CPVA. Sean Darling represented the RCMP Veterans Association (RCMPVA), and John Jewitt represented the Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA). Knowledge Keeper/Drummer Robert Ouellette gave a number of singing, drum and smudging presentations during the ceremonies. Métis Elder Leona Neville and her partner Leonard Neville carried the spirit and feeling of our group with great grace and dignity.  Dr. Andrew Burtch recorded the events as the Canadian War Museum Historian.

MWO Brian Keene was the Director of History and Heritage (DHH) Ceremonial Adviser. MWO Alan Clark was the piper and Bdr Hudson Throness was the bugler.  The VAC RCN Padre was LCdr David Jackson.

The RCMP was well represented by S/Sgt Jean-Francois Leduc, Eagle Staff Carrier Sgt Kelly Willis, and Eagle Staff Carrier Cst Rohel Williams.

The VAC Support Staff included Project Manager Jennifer MacLeod, Project Advisor/Delegation (and Mathematician) Jane MacIsaac, Operations Coordinator Judy Gallant, Events Coordinator Kaylee Doiron, Events Support Patricia Rodriguez, Security Advisor Chris Quinn, Indigenous Advisor Joel Pedersen, Communications manager Léonie Roux, and Delegation representative Brianne Peters.

(VAC Photo)

Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony, Bdr Hudson Throness (Bugler), LCdr David Jackson (Padre), RCMP S/Sgt Jean-Francois Leduc, RCMP Sgt Kelly Willis, Eagle Staff Carrier, and RCMP Cst Rohel Williams, Eagle Staff Carrier, MWO Brian Keene, R22eR, Director of History and Heritage (DHH) Ceremonial Adviser, and MWO Alan Clark (Piper).

(VAC Photo)

Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony.

(VAC Photo)

Robert Ouellette (Knowledge Keeper/Drummer)

(VAC Photo)

WO Robert Ouellette (Knowledge Keeper/Drummer) and the author, Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony.

(VAC Photo)

Métis Elder Leona Neville represented our group with great grace and dignity.

(VAC Photo)

RCMP Sgt Kelly Willis, Eagle Staff Carrier, and High Commissioner, Her Excellency Karine Asselin.

(VAC Photo)

Eagle Staff Carrier Cst Rohel Williams, Harold Skaarup (CPVA), and Eagle Staff Carrier Sgt Kelly Willis, during the Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony, at the 60th Anniversary of the UN in Cyprus memorial beside the Ledra Palace.

(VAC Photo)

Deputy Canadian Defence Attaché LCol Alex Bolduc Leblanc and I at the Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony at the Ledra Palace.

The Canadian Embassy was represented by Louis Saint-Amand, Julie Papanicolaou, and Deputy Canadian Defence Attaché LCol Alex Bolduc Leblanc. Contractors and support staff included EMSP/Operations Matthew Graham, and Alex Dugal. The photographer was Komninos Kominou.

That evening Faye and I went for a walk downtown, stopped for a nice Cypriot meal, and enjoyed Gelato ice-cream on the way back to the hotel. (Gelato and espresso are absolute must do items on any tour to Cyprus).

(VAC Photo)

View from the roof of the Nicosia Airport terminal.

On Saturday, 9 Nov, the VAC joined the CAR group on a morning tour of Nicosia Airport and Kykko Camp. One of the guides was a Russian Army woman, one of four serving there in the UN.

(VAC Photo)

LGen (Retired) Caron, on the roof of the Nicosia Airport terminal, pointing out the UN, Greek and Turk positions during the battles at the airport in 1974.

(VAC Photo)

After touring the guano-laden Airport facility, LCol Bragdon gave a detailed account of the events that took place from his point of view during the Turkish invasion in 1974. Many died during the battles, and many of the Finlanders caught in the crossfire at the airport would have been casualties if then Capt Bragdon hadn’t driven in under fire with ten M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and extracted more than 100 of them.  In the process, the column came very close to being incinerated in a Turkish napalm bombing run. We were later introduced to 14 Finnish soldiers who had been rescued during that event.  At the time, one of the Canadian soldiers under Capt Bragdon’s command had seized the UN flag to keep it safe.  In a moving moment, the soldier returned the flag to the Finlanders present that day.

(VAC Photo)

The return of the UN flag to representatives of the Finland UN contingent at Kykko Camp.

Map of the allocated UN Zones in Cyprus in 1974.

Map of the Battle Zone near the Nicosia Airport, Blue Beret Camp, and Kykko Camp in 1974.

(VAC Photo)

View of the Nicosia Airport terminal.

This site had historical significance to many of us who had served in the CAR on Cyprus. On 25 Nov 1986, His Royal Highness Charles, Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the British throne and now King Charles III, presided over an historic affiliation of the Canadian Airborne Regiment and the British Parachute Regiment in the UN Protected Area at Blue Beret Camp on this day. The early crew that had been sent to Cyprus had been ordered not to bring our jump smocks, but then someone remembered the Prince would be visiting and the second half of the crew coming in brought them. This meant only a few of the Regiment could attend the ceremonies, often with the wrong name tags. The rest of us were ordered to steer well clear.

(British Army Photo)

The Prince was the Colonel-in-Chief of the British Parachute Regiment.  He flew in on 24 Nov from his Middle East Tour on the Royal Yacht Britiannia which was moored off the coast of Cyprus.  He had spent the night with the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (3 Para), who were also serving with UNFICYP.  The Prince was met on his arrival by the two Colonels of the Regiment, General Bob Therriault and General Sir Geoffrey Howlett, together with our Commanding Officer, Colonel J.J.M. Robert Gaudreau, CMM, CD, and Lieutenant Colonel Dair Farrar-Hockley, Commanding Officer of 3 Para.  After inspecting a combined Guard of Honour provided by both regiments, the Prince was taken into the terminal building of the now disused Nicosia International Airport (NIA). In the presence of the Prince and an assembly of all ranks from both regiments, the two Colonels signed a declaration signifying the formal affiliation of both forces in arms.

(CAR Photo)

The Prince in the uniform of the Colonel-in-Chief of 3 Para, witnessed the documents.  Following the ceremony, the Prince chatted informally with soldiers from both regiments, before flying out to visit other elements of 3 Para in the Sovereign Base areas of Cyprus.

(VAC Photo)

Those of us on the tour were given an excellent overview of the NIA, now nearly underneath a ton of bird guano.

(Ken Fielding Photo)

Cyprus Airways Hawker Siddeley HS-121 Trident 2E aircraft (5B-DAB), 1978.

(VAC Photo)

We stopped to view the wreckage of the Cyprus Airways Hawker Siddeley HS-121 Trident 2E jetliner, Reg. No. 5B-DAB, that had been trapped in the hanger of the old Cyprus Airways when the war came.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235973)

British Westland Wessex helicopter in Cyprus.

(CAR Photo)

Blue Beret Camp (Kyyko Camp) was the site of my first military jumps out of a British HC-5 Westland Wessex helicopter, on 17 Sep 1986. The British Red Devils Parachute Team sent a representative to coordinate the various UN jumpers who were to take part in their medal's ceremony. I represented Canada. When the other countries declined to participate, we all became Red Devil’s and put on their uniforms and parachute equipment, just like during my Sky Hawk days.  We made five practice jumps, but also had one emergency landing with the helicopter due to a fire in the instrument panel.  Never a good idea to stay with a helicopter when something goes wrong with it, as they have the gliding characteristics of a brick.  They repaired it, however, and we went back to the practice jumps.  It was a long hot day, but a good one. Our sixth jump took place during the British medal's parade.  We built a successful 7-way formation and then all of us landed on target with flags flying. After the parade, our British exchange officer, Capt Richard Holt, invited me to the 3rd Para Regt’s mess afterwards.  Later Capt Richard Gash and his friends drove us at breakneck speed to the Nirvana, a pub in Nicosia where the Carlsberg was very potent.

(Author Photo)

Pool area of the Hilton Hotel Nicosia.

(Author Photo)

Canadians with the UN in Cyprus display in the Hotel.

In the afternoon of 9 Nov, Faye and I attended a Cypriot Panel Discussion in the Dionysis Room in the Hilton Hotel.  Cypriots have endured tumultuous periods of history but none more divisive than the 1974 conflict. As the hostilities eased and cease fires negotiated, peace talks separated the island by a 180 km long buffer zone. The human impact was huge, as more than 200,000 Cypriots became refugees in their own country. UN troops worked with the Red Cross and other aid organizations to save lives, give humanitarian relief, and coordinate the massive relocation of Turks to the north and Greeks to the south.

That evening we also took part in a UN meet and greet dinner in the hotel.

(VAC Photo)

On Sunday morning, 10 Nov, we were taken by bus to Waynes Keep (Nicosia War Cemetery) located at the former Blue Beret Camp, administered and maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, for a Service of Remembrance.  The cemetery is located a few km West of Nicosia. Here lie 213 Second World War dead of which six are Canadian air crew. There are close to 600 British military service personnel, as well as dependents and civilians who have died in Cyprus since the Second World War. The cemetery is uniquely located within the Buffer Zone and requires UN escort, adding to the dignity of the occasion. I had bicycled around this base on many occasions 37 years ago, not a lot had changed. Several 100 soldiers, their families and guests were in attendance.

(VAC Photo)

Author with one of the British pipers at the ceremony.

(VAC Photo)

Author with the British pipers at the ceremony.

(VAC Photo)

As noted during the ceremony, all nations remember their dead, and UNFICYP, “a family of nations” remembers the 183 military and supporting personnel engaged in peacekeeping operations, who lost their lives in Cyprus.

(VAC Photo)

Floyd Powder, Métis National Council.

The service was presided over by UK The Reverend Trudy Hobson CF. Floyd Powder from the Métis National Council read “In Flanders Fields” written by John McCrae in May 1915.  RCN LCdr Reverend David N. Jackson CD, read prayers for the fallen. The UK Defence Advisor, Col Victoria Reid OBE, sang the first verse of the Gradual Hymn and then the congregation joined. It was extremely well done.

In the afternoon our VAC group was taken by bus an hour southeast to Dhekelia Cemetery.  I had taken a good number of CAR soldiers to the UK base at Dhekelia, jump mastering them from a light aircraft on their first sport parachute jumps.

That same Sunday, 10 November, our VAC group visited the Dhekelia Cemetery, where the remains of nine Canadians of the 28 who lost their lives in Cyprus during their tour now rest. Canadian soldiers died while serving in the UNFICYP theatre of operations include:

Pte Archambault J.E.R. Pte Berger J.J.C. Pte Bernard J.P.E. Tpr Campbell J.H. Gdsm Chartier J. Capt Crawford K.C. Sgt Dupont J.R.A. Lt Edmond K.E. Pte Hall T.J. Rfn Hoare P.J. Cpl Isenor P.C. Sgt Kloss D.L. Pte Kohlman S.J. Pte Krieger D.R. Pte Lerue J.A. MCpl Lessard J.R.M.J.P. MCpl MacRae M. MCpl McInnis J.D.G. Tpr Nass L.W. Capt Patten I.E. Pte Perron J.L.G. Pte Prins A.J. Cpl Redmond O.J. Cpl Roach A. Cpl Salmon K.A. Pte Trottier T.J. and Pte Wilson M.D.

(VAC Photo)

(VAC Photo)

Lieutenant Kenneth E. Edmonds, age 44, had been serving with UNFICYP as a member of the Canadian Intelligence Corps (C Int C) in 1964, when injuries from wounds he sustained during the Second World War caught up with him and he died. Four members of our Intelligence Branch, Greg Jensen, Mike Beauvais, Barry MacDonald and myself, had all served in UNFICYP, and we took part in ceremonies to pay our respects to our C Int C colleague.

(VAC Photo)

I noted that during my tour, we lost MCpl Mark MacRae who was killed in a climbing accident while touring St Hilarion castle.  I spoke with our group during the visit to the cemetery in Dhekelia. I remember that it was a very down evening for all of us when his body was brought back to Wolseley Barracks in Nicosia on 6 December 1986.  Our Regimental Chaplain, Captain Reg Gilbert called our Headquarters and Signals Squadron (HQ & Sig Sqn) together to quietly talk to us about the accident. As you can imagine, particularly for those of us who later served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Afghanistan and a host of similar missions, the mood was very somber – we all knew each other, Mark was no stranger.

(RCAF Photo)

Paratroopers exiting a Lockheed CC-130 Hercules.

(Sgt Jean-Francois Lauzé/Combat Camera)

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment Mike Company parachute from a C130J Hercules aircraft at Garrison Petawawa, Ontario, in November 2014.

When the Regiment returned to CFB Petawawa, Reg carried Mark's ashes with him on our first jump at home.  On 24 March 1987, Reg was the first out the door of the Lockheed CC-130 Hercules transport.  We paused for a few seconds before we followed him, allowing space to represent “the missing man” as the rest of the chalk of MCpl MacRae’s brother paratroopers jumped in his honour.  In accordance with Mark’s wishes, Reg scattered his ashes over the Drop Zone (DZ) as he descended.

(MacRae family Photo)

MCpl MacRae does not have a grave marker in Cyprus, because he was one of the first of many Canadians who died while on duty overseas, to be flown back to Canada.

(DND Photo)

Those of you who have taken part in a ramp ceremony, or seen the recreation of it in the film “Fallen Heroes” will understand that this is no small thing. We do military funerals with absolute dignity and honour – we all know that it could be one of us one day, and it must be done right. As we honour our dead and injured, we also honour those who lost a member of their family.

(VAC Photo)

VAC kindly provided roses for our group to lay at the graves of fallen Canadians in the Dhekelia cemetery.

(VAC Photo)

Jennifer MacLeod, National Manager of International Commemorative Events at VAC joined us for the visit to Dhekelia Cemetery.

(VAC Photo)

Elder Leona Neville and her partner Leonard Neville took part in the commemorative ceremonies at Dhekelia.

(VAC Photo)

Military personnel were not the only ones interred in the Dhekelia Cemetery. The remains of 531 children are also buried there. I spoke with Annie Macmillan Davies, who has made it her mission to ensure that a teddy bear or other stuffed animal was placed with each child’s tombstone, to ensure they are not forgotten.

They are the babies and young children of British families who died while their parents were stationed in Cyprus in the 1960s and early 1970s, with more than 450 little ones - 159 recorded as having died at only one day old - buried here in Dhekelia. The retired nursery head realized many hadn't been visited in decades, a sad reflection of how military families had to leave their deceased loved ones behind when they were re-posted, before repatriation was commonplace.

(VAC Photo)

Dhekelia children’s memorial.

That evening we all attended the final group dinner in the hotel. There were lots of interesting conversations, photos and stories told.

On Monday, 11 November, we were taken by bus to the Canadian Remembrance Day Ceremony held at Wolseley Barracks.  The buildings we worked in 37 years ago are mostly still standing, but not in great shape. We were met by a British UN soldier from Fiji.

Our two groups of veterans were there to mark the 60^th anniversary of Canadian Peacekeeping in Cyprus. The Cyprus 2024 Commemoration group, made up of Canadian Veterans of the mission and their families, returned to Cyprus for commemorative engagements from 4-12 November. A Government of Canada delegation, comprised of representatives from Indigenous and Veteran organizations, also travel there to participate in the program. All members took part in the ceremonies, visited key sites linked to the conflict, and had the opportunity to connect with United Nations personnel currently serving there. The program concluded with a Remembrance Day ceremony on 11 November at the Canadian UN Peacekeeper Memorial in Wolseley Barracks, UN Sector 2 HQ. The ceremony, was streamed live for Canadians to watch at home. The Canadian delegation was joined by Cyprus Veterans from the United Kingdom, Finland, and Sweden, who were also in the area participating in commemorative events.

“This journey holds deep personal significance for Canadian Veterans who served in Operation Snowgoose and their families. It provides them with the opportunity to connect with fellow Veterans who served there over the years, and share stories of their service with Canadians. On this anniversary, we recognize the high cost of this operation on the Canadian Armed Forces personnel who have served there over the past sixty years. We pay tribute to their contribution to peace, and recognize the challenges they faced along the way.”

The Honorable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Four former CFPT Sky Hawks and CAR veterans of Cyprus, the author, Pierre Deschenes in the back, Jim Ogden and Karl Ozols in front, at the 11 Nov commemoration in Nicosia.

(VAC Photo)

Michelle Angela Hamelin, Harold Skaarup, Sean Darling, and RCMP Sgt Kelly Willis, preparing to lay wreaths at the cenotaph at Wolseley Barracks.

The Remembrance Day ceremony took place on 11 November at the Peacekeeper Memorial in Wolseley Barracks UN Sector 2 HQ. The ceremony included the dedication of a Cyprus 2024 plaque commemorating the 60th anniversary of Canada’s contribution to the UN Force in Cyprus. Veteran Affairs Canada led the service, with Canadian Armed Forces soldiers mounting the guard, sentries and providing music. The service began with “O Canada”. Knowledge Keeper Robert Ouellette sang the Warrior Song and carried out a smudging. Elder Leona Neville gave a blessing, and Padre LCdr David Jackson presided over the prayers. Wreaths were laid by a number of us taking part in the gathering for the ceremony.

(AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)

Canadian veteran Michelle Angela Hamelin laid a wreath at the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the 60^th anniversary of Canada's contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus at Wolseley Barracks inside the UN-controlled buffer zone separating the capital Nicosia, Cyprus, on Monday, 11 Nov 2024. Michelle had been serving in Cyprus with the RCR when I arrived in 1986.  Small world. Throughout most of 1986, it was Hamelin’s job was to patrol the U.N.-controlled buffer zone that separated troops on either side of the divide in the medieval center of the capital, Nicosia, staying in the once luxurious Ledra Palace hotel that had been converted into a U.N. barracks. The hotel’s bullet-pockmarked sandstone walls were a constant reminder that a flare-up in hostilities could never be ruled out.

Canada’s High Commissioner to Cyprus Anna-Karine Asselin said the size of the delegation at the commemoration event illustrated the “deep significance of the mission” for Canadian veterans. “We pay tribute to their invaluable contribution to peace. We recognize the challenges they faced along the way,” Asselin said.

More than 100 active-duty Canadian Armed forces personnel, dispatched to Cyprus to assist in possible evacuations of Canadians from nearby Lebanon, joined Hamelin, Griffis and other veterans for a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Canadian U.N. Peacekeeper Memorial inside the buffer zone near the Ledra Palace hotel.

One never knows when you will run into helicopter people. I helped organize and took part in a number of aviation events that involved No. 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron at 5 Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown (5 CDSB Gagetown). During the 11 November Remembrance Day ceremonies at Wolseley Barracks in Nicosia, Jane MacIsaac and Brianne Peters handed me a wreath to lay on behalf of the CPVA. As our group saluted and turned to march off, LCol Allan Ireland CO of No. 403 Squadron, reached out to shake hands – small world. He was there with a group of CF personnel standing by to carry out evacuations from the war zone to the East of us, should the need arise.

Refreshments were provided at the Ledra Palace.  I met and spoke with a number of participants, including two RCN members. I mentioned that I had earned my Competent Crew certificate sailing from Halifax to Lunenberg as one of six sailors on the 36-foot Sail Training Vessel (STV) Tuna. One of the ladies I spoke with mentioned she is the CO of the STV Tuna, which is used for a wide variety of organizations engaged in sail training, team building, community outreach and adventure training, and is now berthed at CFB Esquimalt on the West Coast of British Columbia. She kindly gave me a souvenir pin of the STV Tuna.

The author at the helm of STV Tuna.

(Karen Storwick Photo)

That last evening in Nicosia, we took part in a farewell dinner. We ate well, talked long, and enjoyed the company of a good number of old comrades and new friends.

LGen (Retired) Caron presented the VAC with a commemorative coin, something we will treasure as a unique memory of this tour. The next morning, Tuesday, 12 Nov, we set off by bus to Larnaka Airport and after a series of farewells we parted company – we will meet again.

(VAC Photo)

Ledra Palace, Nicosia.

We were back in Cyprus for a good reason, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of UN operations in Cyprus, "in service of peace". This memorial stands behind the Ledra Palace in Nicosia.

“The Cyprus 2024 commemoration is not just about a pilgrimage of Veterans and their families back to Cyprus, the destination, but also the capturing of history and rekindling of memories, the journey. We are but a group of Veterans trying to honour the service and sacrifices of our comrades-in-arms and leave a legacy of Canada’s longest UN peacekeeping mission and a forgotten 1974 war for Canadians.”

For all who took part in the Canadian Airborne Regiment contingent return to Cyprus, exceptional thanks and recognition must go to:

Colonel (Retired) James Holsworth and Major-General (Retired) Walter Holmes

Co-Chairs Cyprus 2024 Commemoration Committee

(QOR Photo)

Major-General (Retired) Walter Holmes.

Major General Walter M. Holmes, MBE, MSM, CD was born in London, Ontario, he commenced his military career at the age of13 with his High School Cadet Corps. This was followed by three years as a Reservist with the 3rd Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment, also garrisoned in London. Upon completion of High School, he applied and was accepted into the Officer Candidate Program as an Officer Cadet. After a year of tough training at the Royal Canadian Infantry School in Camp Borden, he was commissioned into The Royal Canadian Regiment in 1967 as a 2nd Lieutenant.

What followed was a career with the majority of time spent in command with the odd staff tour thrown into the mix. Command at Platoon, Company, Battalion, Regiment, Base, Brigade, Land Area and Division levels, the latter a NATO Multi-National command, provided challenges but equal measures of fun with the highlights being the opportunity to work and serve with the very best soldiers in the world. Staff positions at Battalion, Army and Corps levels, a tour as the Canadian Military Attaché in the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C. and a three year teaching task at the Canadian Army Staff College in Kingston rounded out the balance of his 37 years of regular force service. Honourary Colonel Holmes is a graduate of the Canadian Army Staff College, the Canadian Forces College and the United States Army War College. One of his claims to fame is he has visited or exercised in North Norway 22 times, only once in summer.

Honorary Colonel Holmes retired from the Regular Army in late 2002 and commenced a second career as a security/military consultant working with a variety of organizations in Canada and Eastern Europe. He ended his contracting career in 2012 and has found that volunteering and bucket list travel has more than filled the vacuum. He remains engaged with a number of military associations and organizations in furthering the cause of supporting and recognizing serving soldiers and Veterans.

A five year tour as Colonel of The Regiment, The Royal Canadian Regiment, is considered by Honourary Colonel Holmes to be the highlight of his post service years. He followed four regimental battle groups in preparation for, and during their deployments to the Kandahar region of Afghanistan including visits to the region on three occasions. He was appointed Colonel Commandant of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps in August of 2013, providing him with another opportunity to be engaged in the business of soldiers and soldiering. He left this post in August 2024.

On 26 October 2016 General Holmes became the Honorary Colonel of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, the fifth regiment with which he has had the honour toserve.

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(Holsworth family Photo)

Lt Jim Holsworth, Cyprus, 1974.

From Alberta, James Holsworth joined the Canadian Forces in 1969, attending Royal Roads and Royal Military Colleges to graduate in electrical engineering. His first posting to the Canadian Airborne Regiment included a tour in Cyprus during the 1974 war. James served as a signal officer in Germany 1976 to 1981, with 3 Mechanized Commando, The Royal Canadian Regiment and 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (CMBG) Headquarters & Signal Squadron.

He studied French, then worked in Army Headquarters (HQ) in Montréal and attended the Army Staff College in Kingston. As a major, he remained at Army HQ to write electronic warfare doctrine and coordinate signal operations, later attending Staff College Toronto. James returned to Germany to command 4 CMBG HQ & Signal Squadron and was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel to work in Ottawa on the Army staff in command information systems. From 1991 to 1996, he commanded the 1^st Division HQ & Signal Regiment and then instructed at the Army Staff College.

Upon promotion, Colonel Holsworth was appointed Director of Signals in Ottawa, then Director of the Technical Staff Programme at RMC. In 1999, he went to Bosnia as Chief of Signals in the NATO HQ. In 2004, James completed three years as Canadian Military Attaché, and Director with the America, Britain, Canada, Australia (ABCA) Programme, in Washington, DC. He returned to the Joint Staff as Director J6, responsible for information operations and strategic communications, before retiring in 2005, ending 36 years service.

James worked as a defence consultant, directing an advance military command and control course, completed his master’s degree in Defence Management & Policy, and was appointed Colonel of the Regiment for the Joint Signal Regiment. He has served on the Board of Directors of Kingston General Hospital (KGH), University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, Military Communication & Electronics (C&E) Museum Foundation, and Hospice Kingston, and was Chair of the KGH Foundation, Kingston Commissionaires, and C&E Heritage & Museum Committee. He organized battlefield studies to Vimy, Normandy, The Netherlands, and a reunion of comrades in Cyprus in 2024.

James is married to Anne St-Pierre, a retired military and career labour & delivery nurse. They have three children: David a military engineer, Julie a teacher, and Jonathan a signal officer; and six grandchildren. He is an avid skier, traveller, historian, and grandfather.

Faye and I proceeded to take a taxi to an Air B&B in Larnaca at the MacKenzie View Residence, 14 Goethe Street. For the next few days, we relaxed, explored the museums and restaurants of Larnaca and walked along the Mediterranean beach near our Air B&B.

Larnaca, also spelled as Larnaka, is a city on the south east coast of Cyprus and the capital of the district of the same name. It is the third-largest city in the country, after Nicosia and Limassol, with a district population of 144,200 in 2015. Larnaca is known for its palm-tree seafront also called Finikoudes (Greek: Φινικούδες) as well as the Church of Saint Lazarus, Hala Sultan Tekke, Kamares Aqueduct, and Larnaca Castle. It is built on the ruins of ancient Citium, which was the birthplace of Stoic philosopher Zeno. Larnaca is home to the country's primary airport, Larnaca International Airport. It also has a seaport and a marina.

I am glad to have had the chance to represent the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association in Cyprus on the 60th Anniversary of the UN operations on the island. Faye and I stayed in Larnaca until 20 Nov, then flew to Athens on an Airbus A320neo, then had a 10-hour flight to Montreal on a Boeing 787-8, and a final flight to Fredericton on an AirbusA220.  We were glad to be home!

(Author Photo)

Larnaca.

The former city-kingdom of Kition was originally established in the 13th century BC. New cultural elements appearing between 1200 BC and 1000 BC, including pottery, new architectural forms. Thesearchaeological findings are interpreted as indications of significant political changes and the arrival of the Achaeans, the first Greek colonists of Kition. Around the same time, Phoenicians settled the area. At the archaeological sites of Kiteon, remains that date from the 13th century BC have been found. Around 1000 BC, Kition was rebuilt by Phoenicians and it subsequently became a center of Phoenician culture. The remains of the sites include cyclopean walls and a complex of five temples and a naval port. It was conquered in the first millennium BC by a series of great powers of the region. First by the Assyrian Empire, then by Egypt. Like most Cypriot cities,Kition belonged to the Persian Achaemenid Empire. In 450 BC, the Athenian general Cimon died at sea, while militarily supporting the revolt against Persia's rule over Cyprus. On his deathbed, he urged his officers to conceal his death from both their allies and the Persians.

Strong earthquakes hit the city in 76 AD and the year after. Earthquakes of 322 AD and 342 "caused the destruction not only of Kition but also of Salamis and Paphos. Kition's harbor silted up, and the population moved to the seafront farther south, sometime after this. Contributing factors to the silting are thought to have been earthquakes, deforestation, and overgrazing. The commercial port was located at Skala, during the Ottoman Period starting in 1571. Skala is the name of the seashore immediately south of the Larnaca Castle and its neighborhood.

(Author Photo)

Old Fort, Larnaca.

(Author Photo)

Smooth Bore Muzzle Loading cannon, heavily corroded, Old Fort in Larnaca.

The author with a cannon, of course. I have been tracking historic artillery preserved in Canada for a number of years, and had an interest in what was preserved in Cyprus. Only one of the six smoothbore muzzleloading cannon preserved in the Old Fort of Larnaca was identifiable. (Nico Brinck, a cannon historian colleague had done some homework concerning this 2-pounder SBML).

Nico Brinck's illustration of the cast iron 12-pounder smoothbore muzzleloading (SBML) cannon, weight 29-0-15 (3,283 lbs), cast during the reign of King George III (1760-1820). This cannon is mounted on a wooden carriage inside the Old Fort in Larnaca.

There are three First World War era 7.7-cm field guns also on display in the Fort's courtyard.

Faye at the Old Fort in Larnaca, view looking West.

(Author Photo)

The Archaeological Museum of Larnaka District has exhibits that show the historical development of the city of Kition and the District of Larnaca in general. It was inaugurated in 1969 and is controlled by the Department of Antiquities in Cyprus.

(Author Photos)

Displays inside the Larnaca District Museum.

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