Soldiers from Dishforth-based 6 Regiment RLC deployed on Op TOSCA have been awarded medals for their work as part of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus.
Over the last 8 months they have been tasked with maintaining the 180km buffer zone which has divided the island since 1964.
The Force Commander attended Ledra Palace Hotel in Nicosia to present every soldier with their United Nations Peacekeeping medal on 21st Sep.
The around 300 strong force, which is based at Dishforth Airfield, is unusually diverse and contains 75 attached personnel drawn from 23 different units as well as 23 Reservists. Staff Sergeant Gadsby is a heavy goods driver and like the other deployed Reservists he put down his civilian work for nine months to deploy.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us” he said. “People have set aside their careers, put on their uniform and have served their country diligently and professionally side by side our regular counterparts.”
One of the main jobs the soldiers are responsible for is patrolling, this is conducted 24 hours a day on foot, bicycle or in vehicles.
They are there to monitor the buffer zone for changes and incursions, and ultimately to maintain a stable environment and prevent a recurrence of fighting.
With the strains of deploying during a pandemic the soldiers have had to leave their families for longer than usual. With compulsory isolation amongst national lockdowns both in the UK and the Republic of Cyprus most individuals have not seen their families for nearly 8 months.
Although they haven’t been able to travel home freely, the soldiers have had some time off during the deployment.
Individuals have been able to explore the island and enjoy activities including parachuting, scuba diving and rock climbing.
“Time away from home is difficult on any operation but this year has been even harder with an extra month of quarantine added and no opportunity to return home for rest and recuperation.
We’re doing everything we can to make it that bit easier for both our soldiers and their families,” said Major Zabina Holt.
The soldiers have already started handing over to the next unit and will be fully back in the UK at the beginning of Oct.
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