A LOCAL DEFENCE FORCE
It was soon identified that Cyprus needed its own defensive force at the beginning of the war. The island found itself at risk because of its strategic importance. The idea of forming the Cyprus Volunteer Regiment also arose from a Cypriot desire to not only actively protect the island but also to participate in the greater war against oppression. The British, who had by this time suffered several losses during the conflict, generally welcomed the idea. They then took steps to help form the regiment to initially protect Cyprus from any potential threats.
A VOLUNTEER REGIMENT
Founded on April 12th 1940, the Cyprus Volunteer Regiment, also known as the CVR, was formed as a military regiment solely made up of Cypriot volunteers. Recruitment for the regiment was voluntary, and several Cypriots from all walks of life answered the call to join. Both Greek and Turkish Cypriots volunteered in droves to form the regiment. Working together with the British, they all shared the common goal of defending their homeland. The CVR would go on to play a significant role in World War II. The regiment, which numbered approximately 30,000 at its peak, initially performed defensive duties that included policing and guarding the island’s infrastructure. The regiment later became instrumental for not only defending Cyprus, but also the Suez Canal.
OVERSEAS CAMPAIGNS
The soldiers of the CVR were eager to fight for the Allied cause in an offensive capacity, and as the war progressed, the role of the CVR changed and expanded greatly. 1941 saw the regiment undergo rigorous training in preparation for offensive combat. As an offensive force, its ranks would eventually comprise highly trained mobile infantry, mechanical, and pack transport companies. The CVR would eventually go on to fight on the offensive alongside other British Commonwealth forces overseas. Eventually deployed throughout the Middle East and North Africa, the CVR was called upon to actively participate in several overseas military campaigns.
PRAISE FROM A PRIME MINISTER
The CVR would go on to participate in various theatres of war. It was firmly acknowledged that the regiment fought bravely in several battles. Winston Churchill, on a brief visit to Cyprus in 1943, acknowledged this by praising the soldiers of the CVR in an address to the nation. He stated that the regiment had already served, at this point, honourably during the war and stated that their combined efforts had already made a significant difference to the overall war effort. It was also later acknowledged after the war that the brave and dedicated Cypriot regiment had not only shown a determination like no other to help defeat the enemy, but had also made a significant contribution to the Allied cause.
BRAVE & DEDICATED
The Cyprus Volunteer Regiment continued to serve after the end of the war in 1945, but it was disbanded five years later. Most of the enlisted men were retired from active service with honours, and then quietly slipped back into civilian life. Although mostly forgotten today, their contribution and sacrifice still live on in the memories of several Cypriots. The regiment’s legacy as a result remains a testament to the courage and resilience of all of the Cypriots who served. It was also acknowledged that the CVR had fought with both courage and honour, proving not only their loyalty and dedication to their homeland, but also to the British Empire.
