Bouncy castles and paintings packed away as 1 PWRR prepares to leave Cyprus
The British Army's senior English line infantry regiment is preparing to return home after a two-year posting in Cyprus.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment are in the final stages of their unit move, known as Op Halifax.
Everything the Tigers own is being packed away in containers to be shipped back across the Mediterranean to the UK.
Packing up and heading home
The battalion's belongings stretch from priceless regimental memorabilia and silverware to children's inflatables.
"It's quite satisfying to be fair," said Warrant Officer Class 2 Wolfe.
C Company's Sergeant Major was packing away the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess.
"It's weird to see the place empty, but it's good to know we'll be resetting ourselves back in Woolwich, our home in the south east."
When asked what was the most difficult to move, WO2 Wolfe said: "It'd be a 150kg bouncy castle we have for families' days."
Once filled and with the paperwork complete, the containers are protected with locks and a security seal.
The battalion is supported by the Joint Movements Squadron based at RAF Akrotiri.
"There's a lot involved in movements, especially in the planning side," said Lance Corporal Jack Owen from the Royal Logistic Corps. "The execution is more hands-on."
No massive paintings going missing
Planning for Op Halifax takes around six months, plus weeks of heavy lifting.
"There is a wide variety of property that we brought out to Cyprus," said Lieutenant George Graham, 2IC Property in the Officers' Mess. "This is anything from 3ft paintings to coffee mugs."
Asked if anything ever goes missing over two years, Lt Graham said: "We like to think not.
"At the moment we're on track for 100% accountability – and that's really the goal we're aiming towards."
Every item has a serial number to help track which box and container it is shipped in. "We shouldn't be losing any massive paintings," he added.
All the furniture, including sofas and chairs, belongs to the battalion.
"I think the [incoming unit] Welsh Guards will have quite a blank canvas," Lt Graham explained.
"At the end of the day, this will be their home for the next two years."
More than a sunshine posting
1 PWRR is moving out of Episkopi Garrison where it served as the Resident Infantry Battalion in the Western Sovereign Base Area.
Personnel deployed on exercises and operations across the region over two years.
"For an infantry officer, that's what it's all about," said Captain Charlie Wilkes. "I've been here for two years. I've probably spent a year of that on the island."
1st Battalion, The Welsh Guards will take over from 1 PWRR during the summer.
Two British Army Battalions are kept in Cyprus for operational requirements in the Middle East, Africa or Europe.
"The mess has been really lucky in terms of deployments," Capt Wilkes added.
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