the A REGIMENT OF VOLUNTEERS
The Cyprus Volunteer Regiment, also known as the CVR, was a military unit that played a significant role in World War II. The regiment was made up solely of Cypriot volunteers, who were eager to fight for the Allied cause, and they went on to fight bravely alongside British forces throughout the war. They were involved in various campaigns and battles in several theatrs of war, directly resulting in the CVR making a valuable contribution to the overall war effort.
A LOCAL DEFENCE FORCE
Cyprus, a British colony at the time, was an important strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean and it was crucial for the island’s British rulers to have a local defence force to protect the island from any potential threats. The idea of forming a volunteer regiment was also born out of the desire of many Cypriots to actively participate, in not only the war for freedom, but also to push for their own desire for self determination, leading to the formation of the CVR, following the outbreak of World War II, in 1940,
MEN FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE
Recruitment for the CVR was voluntary, and men from all walks of life answered the call to join the regiment. They came from different backgrounds and communities, but they all shared the common goal of defending their homeland and emphasizing their fight for freedom. The CVR was open to both Greek and Turkish Cypriots who ultimatley worked together with the British towards a common cause.
OVERSEAS CAMPAIGNS
The CVR initially began as a local defence force for the island, but as the war progressed, its role expanded to include its participation in many overseas campaigns. The CVR was instrumental as a defence force guarding the ‘Suez Canal’ and during 1941, the regiment underwent rigorous training to prepare for offensive combat. That year saw its deployment overseas, mainly to the Middle East, joining other British and Commonwealth forces in the fight against the Axis powers.
THE BATTLE OF EL ALAMEIN
One of the most notable campaigns, in which the CVR participated, was the Battle of El Alamein in 1942. This battle, fought in North Africa, was a crucial turning point in the war, and the CVR played a significant role in the Allied victory. The regiment fought bravely alongside British and other Commonwealth forces, and although they faced heavy casualties, they never wavered in their determination to defeat the enemy. The CVR was also deployed to both Italy and Greece and the regiment’s soldiers during these campaigns displayed courage and resilience in the face of adversity. This earned them the respect and admiration of their fellow Allied troops and they were cited many times for fighting with valour and honour, demonstrating their commitment to the cause and continuing to bravely do their duty with pride.
BRAVE & DEDICATED
The Cyprus Volunteer Regiment of World War II, disbanded five years after the war ended and most of its soldiers quietly slipped back into civilian life. It was acknowledged by the British that the brave and dedicated regiment had made a significant contribution to the Allied cause and had shown a determination to defeat the enemy. It was also acknowledged that the CVR had fought with both courage and honour, proving not only their loyalty to their homeland, but also to the British Empire. The CVR’s legacy remains a testament to the courage and resilience of these Cypriots who served in it, and although often forgotted today, their contribution and sacrifice still lives on in the memories of their families.
