By LCol Doug Foreman, OMM, CD

This is the second in an evolving series of stories about 1 Airborne Field Squadron during the 1974 Turkish Intervention in Cyprus in July and August 1974.

• Cyprus '74 - The Sapper Story Part 1 Introduction
• Cyprus '74 - The Sapper Story Part 2 - Kyrenia
• Cyprus '74 - The Sapper Story Part 3 - The Initial Defence of the Nicosia Airport

Background

On arrival in theatre, the Diving Section of 1 Airborne Field Squadron fulfilled the role of Defence and Employment Section for CANCON HQ at Wolseley Barracks on the outskirts of the old city in Nicosia. On a rotational basis, two members of the Section were detached to Kyrenia, in the Finnish Battalion's area of responsibility, to operate the unofficial CANCON Boathouse and provide recreational diving and waterborne opportunities to the contingent. This support included providing recreational water excursions and diving for contingent personnel.

The section was well set up in the Kyrenia Boat House and liaised with local diving legend Andreas Cariolou, who while working with the National Geographic Society, Andreas was instrumental in discovering the 'Kyrenia Ship'. Working with the Airborne Divers, Andreas ran tourist expeditions to dive sites around Kyrenia including the site where the ship was found. The ship is now located in Kyrenia Castle.

Just prior to the outbreak of hostilities, the Diving Detachment had been preparing to support an upcoming 4 Fd Sqn Diving Exercise scheduled to arrive in Cyprus on Wednesday, 22 August, and had all their equipment shipped from Lahr to CANCON on earlier flights.

Bravery in Kyrenia

On the morning of 20 July, the two divers assigned to the Boathouse, Corporals Banfield and Dolezal, awoke to witness a Turkish amphibious assault at Seven Mile Beach and Kyrenia area, where the 4 Fd Sqn crew had planned their camp. They immediately notified FINCON to declare Code Red, who being for the most part, civilians, immediately started to evacuate the area leaving 100s of tourists and refugees behind. The two divers were the only UN troops left in the area and faced the advancing Turks armed with only five rounds each, plus their UN flags.

Under these challenging and at times frightening conditions, these two sappers organized, shepherded and attended to over 150 refugees maintaining protection, water and medical aid until they were able to commandeer local buses and trucks leading a convoy through the Turkish lines to Nicosia. In the confusion of the days that followed the landing, these two were out of touch with their parent HQ in Nicosia and were listed as being AWOL. Based largely on a letter of commendation from a Turkish Captain, both soldiers were awarded the Order of Military Merit for their initiative and professionalism. 

• Cyprus '74 - The Sapper Story Part 1 Introduction
• Cyprus '74 - The Sapper Story Part 2 - Kyrenia
• Cyprus '74 - The Sapper Story Part 3 - The Initial Defence of the Nicosia Airport