Back To Blighty: 2PWRR Are Leaving Cyprus

After three year in Cyprus troops from Second Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment are about to return to the UK.

The Tigers will be based at Cottesmore, Rutland, and will soon also be taking on a different role.

They arrived at Alexander Barracks in August 2014, replacing 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers as it was disbanded.

2PWRR had been in Cyprus four years earlier during operations in Afghanistan.

They became the Regional Standby Battalion, ready to deploy anywhere in the Middle East.

Lt Col Jim Skelton, Commanding Officer, 2PWRR, says:

"The battalion has been in Cyprus for three years - three rewarding and fulfilling years.

"There's been a broad spread of operational roles the battalion has been committed to."

The Tiger’s arrival in Cyprus coincided with the rise of the so-called Islamic State group.

And that October, C Company were sent to Iraq to train the Peshmerga, as the UK joined a coalition of nations trying to halt the jihadi terrorists.

"Our guys were some of the first guys in with the Peshmerga, setting the conditions for the success we see in Shader now," says Lt Col Skelton.

"Cyprus is a fantastic location for any infantry soldier to become good at what he does," he says.

"It offers challenging terrain, a fantastic vehicle with which to pursue infantry excellence."

During their time in Cyprus the battalion also consecrated a new regimental colour.

Their previous flag presented to them two decades earlier by Diana, Princess of Wales.

Lt Col Skelton says the posting is one that has been enjoyed by the soldiers and their families:

"They will cherish their memories of Cyprus - it's been a wonderful location."

This year marks PWRR’s 25th birthday, and as they return to the UK to celebrate that anniversary, 2PWRR is also preparing to re-role as a light mechanised infantry battalion.