Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0103
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Tid‘wm'! Ir Greek Cypriots and the Turks. Troops rotated monthly between the Austrians near Famagusta, the Swedes at Athienou and the Danes at Skouriotissa, whilst the British and Canadian sectors were covered from the Nicosia camp. The 6th Troop was in reserve. Welcoming and escorting visitors was part of the routine — the UN Secretary General, Dr Waldheim, in April, the DRAC in May, and the Colonel of the Regiment in August to mention but a few. General Abraham was only too familiar with the scene having commanded the 12th Lancers from Nicosia in 19594960. But like CSquadron all ranks enjoyed a wonderful life, particularly the hospitality from the various other contingents of the Force, and the six months tour was over fast. On return to Tidworth the Squadron re— equipped with the new Scorpion and Scimitar tracked vehicles ofa medium reconnaissance squadron. Major Burgess relieved Major Coghlan in command. \Vith two squadrons overseas for six months in 1978 the remainder of the Regiment in Tidworth was kept occupied training with 7 Field Force — as Brigades were now called. BSquadron, now commanded by Major Searby, who had handed over Adjutant to Captain Edgar in June, completed two large exercises in England and, with RHQ, a major one in Germany in October. Innumerable small exercises were carried out with the five affiliated infantry battalions in the Force. Opportunities to send troops and individuals further afield were grasped by the Commanding Officer. Lt Routlcdge went to New Zealand on a three months’ exchange with two New Zealand Army NCOs and ZJLtPonsonby, with an enlarged composite troop, was lucky enough to be attached in the infan- try role to the Grenadier Guards in Kenya for two months. Lt Linnell and his troop were perhaps not quite so enthusiastic about their six months in the Belize jungle with the Worcester» shire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment. A distinguished journalist had once called it a place “not worth a detour". In Cyprus Lt Mackaness‘s troop in CSquadron was reinforced from Tidworth and joined the UN Force for a six months tour with 3rd Light Infantry. 99 |
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