Moving house: Infanteers of 1 Rifles pack up their belongings after two years in Cyprus
An infantry battalion is returning to England at the end of its deployment with British Forces Cyprus.
The soldiers of 1 Rifles have spent two years as the Resident Infantry Battalion based in Dhekelia.
In recent weeks they have been completing Op Halifax - a mammoth task packing down Alexander Barracks ready for the next incoming battalion.
Alongside each individual’s personal items and operational equipment, 1st Battalion takes back its regimental memorabilia including silverware, framed paintings and flags from the mess.
Captain Will Penny, the 2IC of C Company1 Rifles, said: "It's organised chaos.
"We have literally picked up our mess and moved it out to the Mediterranean for two years and now we’re moving it back.”
It’s his second time leading Op Halifax, having conducted the move to Cyprus in 2023.
As part of the British Army’s largest infantry regiment, 1 Rifles removes even the smallest details, including sofas and sports equipment which are all packed into shipping containers.
"For all of the effort it takes to get your mess out here, it’s nice to have that home away from home," he added.
1 Rifles' role in Cyprus included being kept at high readiness as the Army’s Regional Standby Battalion, acclimatised and ready to react to emergencies in North Africa and the Middle East.
Often described as the "sunshine posting", the warm weather and nearby holiday destinations are highlights of the tour.
"It's amazing," said Second Lieutenant Seb Murphy. "We've got the beach about 200 metres from the mess. It's a special place to be based."
1st Battalion's 380 serving personnel and their families return to Beachley Barracks in Chepstow, Gloucestershire, where it has been based since 2007.
Rejoining the Field Army, it converts to a Light Mechanised Infantry role within 7 Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team as part of the Future Soldier Programme.
"Even though we've had some good times in Cyprus, and challenging times, I think everyone is ready to go home," said Capt Penny.
Soldiers from the incoming battalion, 4 Scots, have begun arriving on the island, with a formal handover ceremony set for August.
"Unfortunately for 4 Scots when they arrive it will be an empty shell, like moving into a new flat," said Capt Penny.
"It'll be a blank slate for them so they can bring their stuff and lay it out how they want to."
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