UK troops serving with the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus awarded medals
UK troops serving with United Nations Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) have been presented with special UN medals as they approach the end of their six-month tour.
They have been taking part in the UN Peacekeeping Operation TOSCA tour, led by Colonel Pat Allen, Force Chief of Staff for UNFICYP.
The UN mission has maintained a ceasefire between Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities since 1964.
"Today is an important milestone for everyone serving on the UN mission. We are naturally pleased to get recognition, but there is still work to do," said Sector 2 CO and Commanding Officer of 5 RA, Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Campbell.
"When we came here, we were strangers from many different nations, and yet today it is self-evident just how well we have gelled together and continued to keep the peace here in Cyprus.
"I am tremendously proud of every one of them."
Gunner Emily Arnold, 18, from Stoke-on-Trent, was excited to receive her first medal and took a selfie to show her family.
"I am so very proud to share this with my mum and dad. My dad, Stephen, was a gunner in 5 Regt RA for 22 years," she said.
Gnr Arnold and her fellow soldiers are on a six-month tour that started last September and ends later this month.
UN troops patrol the buffer zone and help keep the peace between Greek and Turkish communities on the divided island.
A number of nations contribute to the peacekeeping force, including the UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia.
The British formation is led by 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, with support from the Royal Lancers and other regular and reservist units from across the British Army, with many soldiers on their first deployment.
Some also received Force Commander's commendations to recognise their efforts on the UN mission.
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