50yrs anniversary of the RAF Regiment’s first arrival in Cyprus

On the 10th of September we held the 50yrs anniversary of the RAF Regiment’s first arrival in Cyprus in conjunction with 5001 Sqn Airfield Construction Group at our annual Wings Appeal Garden Party hosted by our President Air-Vice Marshal and Mrs R Lacey at Flagstaff House. The event started with Chief Tech Steve McGuinness piping the arrivals. The wine flowed freely (yes ex rocks and wine) 6 rocks plus myself and partners, music provided by Sgt Barry Stringer and the Royal Air Force Central Band Salon Orchestra. The Grand Raffle raised € 650 thanks to VIPs and guests from 5001 Sqn, RAF Regiment, Aphrodite Branch, Larnaca Bay Branch and Apollo Branch Paphos. 

Thursday the 11th September the Regiment group did the trip down memory lane round RAF Akrotiri for 3˝ hrs finding their old billets which were still in use but thoroughly enjoyed, including a visit to the RAF Regiment FP Flight, speaking to the officer IC Flt Lt Dan Quaid and Sgt “Taf” Miles. Then lunch at the revamped Lady Lampsons.

Friday the 12th September 5001 Sqn and the RAF Regiment went to Wayne’s Keep Nicosia for a Memorial Service for 2 SACs of 5001 Sqn killed by a bomb in the NAAFI Juke Box in 1958 with 5 Standards being paraded including Joe Davidson of the Highland Branch of the RAF Regiment Association keeping up the good work for the Corps. Roy Beatson laid the wreath on behalf of the RAF Regiment, Sheffield Branch.

Saturday evening we were invited to the Royal British Legion Limassol Branch for a BBQ, where the drinks flowed freely and raising a considerable amount for their funds.

Wednesday 17th I did a guided nostalgia tour to Heroes Square for the men only and the drinks flowed again and kebabs with all the trimmings, all in all a very enjoyable week and good to see some of my old mates from 1959/1964.

A personal thanks from me to the ex rocks and their wives:
Joe and Isabel Davidson,
John and Jean Jackson,
Roy and Rosemary Beatson
Keith Pomeroy
Ian Harvey
Micheal Wheatley
Alex Donald

For their participation in the events.

Gordon Boam

Chairman Aphrodite Branch                                                                    

Photo Gallery

Joe Davidson sent us loads of photos, far to many to publish in one go, so here are a few of before and after shots of Rocks on the Roll!!
Then Now
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