Welsh Guards arrive in Cyprus with professional purpose after taking over from PWRR
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Welsh Guards have formally taken over their duties at Episkopi Garrison in Cyprus.
The Guards raised their regimental flag outside Battalion HQ after the outgoing unit, 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, had lowered its own.
Wales's national flag was hoisted next to the Guards' regimental flag during the mid-morning Transfer of Authority.
Infantry first with professional purpose
"It's fantastic to be here," said Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Beare, Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion. "The Welsh Guards is an infantry unit first – and we always have been."
The two-year posting with British Forces Cyprus splits across two roles.
In the first year the Guards will secure military sites and respond to local needs as the Cyprus Operations Battalion.
Later, they'll be assigned to the Regional Operations Battalion for deployments in the Middle East and North Africa as a fully trained and acclimatised force. At least one company will be kept at high readiness and on standby in the role.
Asked how the unit was feeling coming to Cyprus during a time of war in the wider region, Lt Col Beare said: People join the Army and join The Welsh Guards to go on operations, so it's hugely exciting to have a professional purpose.
"Clearly we want everyone to be safe, but we're very excited to have the opportunity to support in whatever way we need to."
The Guards are now the Resident Infantry Battalion in Episkopi as part of the Western Sovereign Base Area, a British Overseas Territory.
The island gives young Guardsmen both professional and personal opportunities, including exercises in Egypt and Jordan.
"It's good opportunity to get some green soldiering in," said Lance Corporal Kieran Thomas.
"I think the main focus for most of us is to try and get fit – but also to enjoy yourself as well."
The 23-year-old from Maerdy added: "It's a big factor being away from home and being with the boys, going and doing things you enjoy.
"The beach is only down the road."
A bittersweet farewell to the Tigers
While a new chapter in Cyprus is starting for The Welsh Guards, the soldiers of 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment are ending their two-year posting.
The unit has spent months preparing to move back to Woolwich in southeast London.
It's joining 4th Brigade and has a year of training, including exercises in Germany and Kenya, before a deployment to Estonia in 2027.
"It's a really bittersweet moment," said Lieutenant Colonel Alex Cherry, Commanding Officer of 1 PWRR.
"It's a moment in which we reflect on everything that we've achieved over the past couple of years."
Lt Col Cherry reflected on a time of unpredictable regional and local commitments as well as "wonderful personal experiences".
The Tigers helped evacuate RAF Akrotiri after a drone strike and responded to an earthquake during their posting.
Thanking the soldiers and families, including his own, Lt Col Cherry explained: "It's their dedication, commitment and sacrifice that enables us."
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