#10 Cyprus | Farmer John in the Buffer Zone? | Fancy a Brew?
In a behind the scenes look at the latest episode of our podcast, join our three UN Peacekeepers currently in Cyprus on Operation TOSCA
🎙 It’s podcast time!
Welcome to the 11th episode of our podcast. In this latest release, join Major Holt, Private Ball and Lance Corporal Quigley from 6 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps as they share their stories and experiences of life inside the Buffer Zone on Operation TOSCA.
Haven’t listened to the episode yet? Make sure to tune in here👇
Take a look at some highlights from the episode below:👇
What is the role of the Armed Forces on Operation TOSCA?
Major Holt: “We are currently deployed on a United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus, and the military part of that mission is to prevent a recurrence of fighting and maintain a stable environment on the island.
“We do this by de-escalating anything that happens along the Buffer Zone, doing regular patrols. We patrol in the air, on foot, on bike and in vehicle, and we make sure that there is a presence throughout the Buffer Zone 24/7.
Since 1974, our troops have been deployed to Cyprus on Operation TOSCA, the UK’s longest-running UN mission. Around 260 soldiers from the British Army form the largest contingent of the multinational force.
What is the weirdest thing to happen so far on deployment?
Lance Corporal Quigley: “I have just had dog walkers really, people who claim they know that they are on the Buffer Zone in the middle of no where.
Major Holt: “Have you met farmer John before? Farmer John has been here forever, I think he is in his late 70s. I have actually been round for coffee at his house and met his goats and his sister runs a bakery and she made us all of this halloumi bread, it was amazing. He was in the National Guard for years and he was showing us all of his pictures.
What is the living situation like?
Private Ball: “I don’t mind the living situation, it’s four man rooms, however we have currently only got three of us in a room, so we have more space.
Lance Corporal Quigley: “The rooms are cosy to be fair, and we have made it really homely. We’ve got our own bedding, we have got pictures on the wall.
Private Ball: “I just think when you have had a rubbish day, you need each other, and I think when you are tired and you are all on different shift patterns, it’s nice to have that little bit of morale.
What is the most interesting thing that you have done on this deployment so far?
Private Ball: “I went to Ayia Napa for five days whilst I was on Operational Stand Down and we just had the best time. It was just so nice to have some time away from work, and everyday we could wake up and go to the beach, we could go for walks, and it was just so lovely.
In an area of continuing tension, British troops patrol 24/7 along the Buffer Zone that separates the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The Buffer Zone extends approximately 180km across the island, and patrolling helps to keep the peace and maintain stability in the country.
What would be your best advice for someone wishing to join the military?
Lance Corporal Quigley: “I would probably say just jump in it with both feet, volunteer for any tours, any deployments and just go for it. Deployments and going away is the best thing I have done, so I would say just get stuck right in.
Private Ball: “Just be aware you are going to have rubbish days, and not every day is going to be crazy, but it is so rewarding.”
“You don’t appreciate the good days unless you have had the rubbish days.”
— Major Holt
