Cypros and ww2

[C7riS]

Hi, I was just informed im going to Cypros in the end of June.

And my question is, I was searching the net but didnt find much info on cypros during ww2.
So I wondered if any of you had any info on cyrops during ww2 and any interesting facts.
+ of course I was planing to look around for some millitaria when im there so if any of you know if theres anything to be found there and where I might loook I would greatly appreciate it!

Cheers,
Chris

[Jack T]

I don't think there was too much action in Cyprus. Too far east in the Med. It was controlled by the British, I think they maintained an air base and naval station there during the war. They still have a base there today.

No clue on militaria but you may be able to pick stuff up from the Greek-Turk wars of the 70's.

Post some reports and pics once you get there. Best of luck.

Jack T

[leigh kitchen]

Used to be a lot of the modern military tourist stuff like shell cases with UN contingent shields applied, things like that around Nicosia in the late 70's. Presumably there still is a market for that with the UN troops.

2 or 3 visits to Kyrenia over the past few years yielded a few fairly modern Turkish insignia & I found a WWI period British coat, can't remember the name of the garment - calf length heavy khaki twill with large lapels, patch pockets & button up front. It was in a curio shop with some old photos of Turkish police circa WWI - 1930's, did'nt get them as the dealer wanted the earth for them.
Picked up a heavy MG link from that point at the extreme north west of the island - radiio mast & derelict building, few bits of clothing & broken toys etc.
Just found the MG link, it's the only piece of militaria I picked up in Cyprus.
There's not a lot & what there is unrealistically priced.

[petermac]

You're correct about Cyprus being too far East to see any action in the Second World War. The place wasn't heavily defended and no great efforts were made to fortify it unlike Malta. It would have been indefensible had either Malta or the Suez Canal fallen to German forces as it would have been impossible to supply a garrison.

British commitment to the place was at its peak when we were trying to control the EOKA movement which sought to unite the mixed population of Cyprus with Greece. There is still an air base at Akrotiri as well as a sizeable UN force put there after the Turks invaded and occupied the Northern part of the island in 1974. I still remember watching TV footage of Turkish paratroops landing and thinking that it would be probably the last small war in the Europe. Who could have guessed what would happen in Yugoslavia after Tito died not shortly after.

Peter

[C7riS]

Thanks guys!
Too bad the place wassnt crowded with germans!! or... second thoughts, maybe not hehe
Well we will see what kinda stuff I can pic up when im down there.. thing is its mainly work (shooting a movie) so I dont know how much time I have to go around asking, but who knows, I might get lucky
Anyway, I´ll keep you guys up to date and send you some pics when im down there!
Thanks for the help!

Cheers,
Chris

[leigh kitchen]

Thanks guys!
Too bad the place wassnt crowded with germans!! or... second thoughts, maybe not hehe ...................
Cheers,
Chris

It is.