Cyprus
Extracts from the Norfolk Section
The Britannia and Castle		      

24 year old Cyprus mystery solved   8th North Elmham Reunion 2002   9th North Elmham Reunion 2003   10th North Elmham Reunion 2004   11th North Elmham Reunion 2005   12th North Elmham Reunion 2006   13th North Elmham Reunion 2007   Cyprus Forest Fire 1956 Service of Remembrance   Korea and Cyprus Roll of Honour Dedication 2001   Origins of the North Elmham reunions   Operation Alphonse Cyprus 1956   UN Door Notice   David Bellamy on Cyprus 1956   The 1956 acting adjutant wearing the most awful pair of battered brown shoes

 Cyprus 1956 and BAOR 1958  1956 photograph of 5 Pl B Coy in Cyprus by Sid Mutimer
THE 13TH NORTH ELMHAM CYPRUS REUNION 2007 from B&C 107 Dec 06
The 13th Gathering will be held at North Elmham Village Hall on Sat 28 Apr 07. All former members of the Bn who served in Cyprus during the emergency will be most welcome.
If you are not on the mailing list contact Maj David Clarke via the Norfolk Section Editor or RHQ, Britannia House, TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2AB, Tel 01603 400290.
Click here for the origins of the North Elmham reunions
B&C 107

THE 12TH NORTH ELMHAM CYPRUS REUNION 2006 from B&C 106 Jun 06
Maj David Clarke reports: ‘The 12th Gathering was held at North Elmham Village Hall on Sat 29 Apr 06. 130 of us stood in silence in memory of departed colleagues. It marked the 50th Anniversary of our return from Cyprus. Who among us can forget our happy journey home aboard the Empire Clyde and our fabulous reception at Thorpe Station?
It was a somewhat chaotic welcome. A surprised officer from Britannia Barracks stood on the engine and tried forlornly to explain travel arrangements while kind WVS ladies with tea and sandwiches looked bewildered as 700 happy young National Servicemen surged forward to be greeted by relieved wives, families and girlfriends.
The Colonel of the Regt was accompanied on the train from Liverpool by the acting adjutant, who amongst all the spit and polish, was wearing the most awful pair of battered brown shoes instead of his erstwhile immaculate boots. The evening before, whilst aboard the Empire Clyde, a visiting officer had consumed his fair share of beverage and demanded even more when the bar closed. He was convinced the poor unfortunate acting adjutant had a bottle of something very good in his cabin. To press his point he confronted him with a loaded automatic. To demonstrate the weapon was loaded, he placed the Adjutant’s gleaming boots in the porthole, which, fortunately, was facing the harbour, and after taking a somewhat blurred aim, he squeezed the trigger. The bullet flew true and the beautiful boots leapt into Liverpool harbour at some speed! The battered brown shoes, discarded as clearly beyond any economical repair, were then retrieved from the dustbin outside the Sgts Mess. Promotion then came very slowly for the adjutant! (David has provided the names for the Regimental Archives ! Ed.)
This year the annual get-together was a more gentlemanly affair as the same young men who served with the Bn during the Cyprus Emergency celebrated our return in some style at North Elmham on 29 Apr. Inevitably, each successive gathering is adjudged the best ever. This year the gathering was certainly up with the very best and it was great to be amongst so many old friends.
You might well think that as the years roll by the numbers attending would on the decrease but you would be very wrong. This year a number of faithful friends travelled from far afield and we numbered 130. We were delighted to reunite with some who had not attended our earlier gatherings and who had not been seen for 50 years or so. At the same time we sorely missed one or two stalwarts who will always be remembered as good soldiers but more particularly as trusted friends and down to earth good Norfolk men.
As always we are deeply indebted to Ruth Grimmer, her family and band of helpers who made all the planning and administrative arrangements for the gathering. As a team they put in the most enormous amount of time and effort to ensure the evening went with a swing and that we were all fed and watered In style. Ruth is a real star who quietly commands our deepest respect, She, combined with pride in our Regt, are the real catalysts for our gatherings.
Ruth has given us the date for next year and expects all veterans of the Cyprus Emergency to be on parade at North Elmham on 28 Apr 2007. Those who attended this year will certainly be parading but you may come across others who should be there so give them encouragement and a gentle push in the right direction. If you served in Cyprus during the emergency you will be most welcome.'
B&C 106

THE ELEVENTH NORTH ELMHAM CYPRUS REUNION 2005 from B&C 104 Jun 05
Maj David Clarke reports on the 11th Gathering for those who served in Cyprus 1955-56, held on Sat 30 Apr 2005. ‘There is nothing more attractive than the Norfolk countryside in the Spring. At this time of year the swallows and cuckoos return from their migrations abroad and men of 1 R Norfolk return to North Elmham. They don’t return to nest for they have more important things to do. They gather for the sheer enjoyment of getting together over a drink and an excellent buffet to remember old times, old friends and the benefits derived from comradeship spawned in the Regt. Our gathering this year was, as always, held on the last Sat in April. Like all the forerunners it had the features and hallmarks of what a proper reunion should be. Under Ruth Grimmer’s guidance, it has become the event in the year that old Cyprus hands, from far and wide, make every effort to attend at N Elmham.
There is nothing better in our land than a good, down-to-earth Norfolk family. Once again this was evidenced to the full by Ruth Grimmer and her family as they hosted yet another annual gathering of former 1 R Norfolks who served with the Bn in Cyprus during the 1955-6 emergency. There were 110 on parade and, once again, the evening was undoubtedly ‘the best yet’.
None of us get any younger and this is especially so regarding 3 of our former OCs, for whom Cyprus was a ‘walk in the garden’ compared with their WW2 experiences. It was especially pleasing that our regular old hands, Majors Andrew Athill and Tony Ferrier were present and looked as fit as ever. Gen Jack Dye, attending for the first time, was reunited with former friends from B Coy. These old soldiers are all well into their 80s and thrilled to be among so many friends.
The 12th Gathering will be held at N Elmham Village Hall on Sat 29 Apr 06. It will mark the 50th Anniversary of our return from Cyprus. Who among us can forget our happy journey home aboard the Empire Clyde and our fabulous reception at Thorpe Station? Ruth and her team hope that 2006 will again be a great evening. All former members of the Bn who served in Cyprus will be most welcome.
You will have seen the TA recruiting message ‘Be The Best’. Our message to all 1 R Norfolk from the Cyprus Emergency era is:
‘Come to our gathering next Apr and bring your Regimental friends.’ You know it makes sense, you know you will be among friends and you know we were the best! And this will never change.

Click here for a photograph of 5 Pl B Coy in Cyprus 1956 by Sid Mutimer.

Late News Congratulations! On 6 May 05 Ruth became a Grandmother again to grandson Thomas Joseph by her son Roger and his wife Mary. All are well.

The 12th 'Get Together' is on Sat 29 Apr 2006.
If you are not on the mailing list contact Maj John Denny via the Norfolk Section Editor or RHQ, Britannia House, TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2AB, Tel 01603 400290.

Click here for the obituary for Don Grimmer.

The Britannia No 30 Aug 1947 mentioned The War Memorial Cottages appeal, launched in Mar 1946 and a donation of £7 from the North Elmham Meat Pie Scheme Committee!

B&C 104

THE TENTH NORTH ELMHAM CYPRUS REUNION 2004 from B&C 102 Jun 04 (and B&C 103 Dec 04 which added the photograph)
Maj John Denny reports: The 10th ‘Get Together’ (neatly sandwiched between St George’s Day and Almanza Day) for those who served with the Regiment in Cyprus 1955-56 was the usual huge success; thanks entirely to Mrs Ruth Grimmer, son Roger, daughter Carol and helpers who made all arrangements and provided the sumptuous buffet suitably demolished during a pause in the ‘Do you Remember’ chatter.
Old and Bold with their Ladies made a parade strength of 117 (not so far away from the limit imposed by the Fire Certificate). A fantastic assembly of prizes made for a record Raffle; David and Chalisa Clarke were especially successful, compensation for a rash purchase of tickets.
To mark our appreciation of this 10th reunion, all subscribed and Ruth was presented with a suitably engraved garden seat plus £100 for accessories after suitable words from Major Andrew Athill, which included heartfelt thanks to her and family (thunderous applause). Mrs Margaret Howlett on behalf of the ‘Christmas Lunch Gang’ presented Ruth with a hydrangea.
Roger Grimmer, appearing from the ‘engine room’ had kind words to say to us.

Congratulations!
In the early hours of Tue 4th May Ruth became Grandmother to Rose Marion Hayden. Rose, Carol and Neil are all doing well.
B&C 102 but some parts were not included in the print version, they appeared in B&C 103

THE NINTH NORTH ELMHAM REUNION 2003 from B&C 100 Jun 03
Maj John Denny reports: The 9th 'Get Together' for those who served in Cyprus 1955 - 56 was the usual huge success; thanks entirely to Mrs Ruth Grimmer, son Roger, daughter Carol and helpers who made all the arrangements and provided a sumptuous buffet suitably demolished during a pause in the 'Do you Remember?' chatter.
Warriors with their Ladies made a parade strength of around 120, coming from London, Dover, Essex, the Cotswolds, Peterborough, Great Yarmouth, Norwich and many villages around the area.
Among those present and seen for the first time were Graham Sutton, our Medical Officer of those days, and Graham Charlish ex ‘C’ Company clerk, returning to the fold after 48 years.
Maj Andrew Athill said a few suitable words, which included heartfelt thanks to Ruth Grimmer and family (thunderous applause).
B&C 100

THE EIGHTH NORTH ELMHAM REUNION 2002 from B&C 98 Jun 02
Mrs Ruth Grimmer had this inserted in the Elmham News:
At the Memorial Hall, North Elmham, on Sat 27 Apr 2002, there will be a Reunion for former members of the Royal Norfolk Regiment who served in Cyprus 1955-56. This year will be our 8th reunion.
It all began in November 1994 when my husband Don died. Among those in Church were 10 men wearing the Regimental Tie who had all served in Cyprus with Don. Some of these men had not seen each other for 38 years.
In July 1995 I decided to ask these men plus their partners to a BBQ in my garden. The news spread and I soon had 30 men plus their partners, so I hired the Memorial Hall and a great night was had by all.
The evening was very emotional with one man telling me, with tears in his eyes, that he was 22 years old when he last saw a lot of these comrades and now he was almost 60. Over the years the number has increased and we now have between 100 and 120. They come from London, Dover, Essex, Yarmouth, Norwich and many villages around this area.
My family and friends help me to prepare the hall and the food, much of the food being home-made. I could not do it without their help.
Out of our family sadness I feel that we have given a lot of happiness and I know these men appreciate what my family and I do.
My pride and joy is a beautiful cut glass bowl, presented to me by Maj Andrew Athill.
On it is engraved: 'Presented to Ruth Grimmer, from your Friends of The Royal Norfolk Regiment'.
And what a wonderful lot of friends they are.

Postscript by Maj John Denny:
The above says it all. The 8th 'Get Together' has come and gone. Needless to say, it was a happy and successful repeat of the previous seven. Ruth was in command and beavering away in the engine room were son and daughter Roger and Carol with their lieutenants Mary and Neil. Maj Andrew Athill said a few words to express the thanks of all present for their enjoyment of a really GRAND evening.
On this occasion the catchment area extended to include the Cotswolds and Peterborough. In 2003 we hope it may include Thailand.
The 9th 'Get Together' is on Sat 26 Apr 2003.
B&C 98

A 24 YEAR OLD MYSTERY SOLVED
Tim 'Dick' Davies, of Bury St Edmunds, was Sgt Pl Comd of 10 Pl, C Coy, 1st Bn in 1973, commanded by Lt Col David Thorne. They were enjoying a posting in Ipiskopi, Cyprus until one morning when all hell broke loose in the 'Headshed'. The RAF 'Admiral' in the Happy Valley Yacht Club had discovered that all the strip lights in the tunnel linking Happy Valley to the exclusive yacht club had been broken. Who else could it be but the resident Bn of 'Pongoes'?

The CO and RSM sent a task force to interrogate the Bn tearaways, to no avail. The angry 'Admiral' was fairly high on the local food chain so something had to be seen to be done. We were confined to barracks, less the married pads, extra runs up and down Troodos, company drill etc. In short, quite a lot of pain was had by all, including, to be fair, the 'Headshed' and even the storemen! And there the matter ended. Until ......

In 1977 I recruited an ex-Navy man as a driver. (Yes, I know, but I was desperate!) One day we were talking and I mentioned Happy Valley. 'I’ve been there,' he said. It seems the Navy maintains a list of sailors who have not had shore leave so parties of sailors are put ashore, whether they like it or not. My driver was one abandoned in Happy Valley. After wandering about the polo pitch they came across the tunnel. One had found a tennis ball and was bouncing it off the roof. It hit a light and as the descending glass made a brilliant noise they proceeded through the tunnel, accounting for all the lights, leaving the Vikings to carry the can.

It just goes to show that sooner or later the truth will out.
B&C 90 Jun 98

OPERATION ALPHONSE CYPRUS 1956 from B&C 100 Jun 03
David Carter hackwatchuk@hotmail.com wrote:
I am trying to write a book about the EOKA Conflict, told through the eye-witness accounts of those service personnel who were there. One of the chapters is about ‘Operation Alphonse’ which ended with the Paphos Forest fire that started 16 Jun 1956. There were 5 fatalities from the ranks of the Norfolks. I have the names of those who died, listed in the Cyprus section's Honour Roll, which can be viewed on www.britains-smallwars.com
Although I've searched far and wide, I have been unable to make contact with anyone from the Norfolks who was present during the fire. Are you able to point me to one or two so that I may approach them, either by e-mail or telephone. I am house-bound, which limits travel, so would welcome any help you can offer in enabling me to track down and acquire any photographs of the funerals of those who died in the fire and are buried in Wayne's Keep Military Cemetery. I would scan the photographs and return them to the owners.
Meantime, I doff my hat in your direction for your excellent work on the Britannia & Castle site.
(Thanks David. B&C 87 Dec 96 reported on the 17 Jun 96 Regimental Chapel Cathedral Service of Remembrance conducted by Canon Richard Hanmer and Rev Maj William Sayer, 40 years on from that dark day in Cyprus, to remember those who died. Click here for it.  Ed.)
Contact David via the Norfolk Section Editor.
B&C 101 Dec 03
Even before B&C 100 returned from the printer, our Cyprus, Korea and Hong Kong guru on all matters Regimental, Maj John Denny, supplied, with their agreement, names and contact details for:
Maj Tony Ferrier, OC D Coy; AE Cooke, CSM D Coy; Cpl Ivor Read Sp Coy and Pte E Edge, D Coy.
John hopes to add OC B Coy, a Pl Comd and the RMO who was awarded the MBE in recognition of his work during the fire.
He says: 'A and B Coys 1 R Norfolk with elements from other Coys were involved.'
Is there no limit to the talents of this guru?
B&C 100 and 101

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE 17 JUNE 1996 - THE CYPRUS PAPHOS FOREST FIRE OF 17 JUNE 1956 B&C 87 Dec 96
During the hunt by the 1st Bn The Norfolk Regt in Cyprus for EOKA terrorists, and particularly for Grivas, OPERATION ALPHONSE commenced in June 1956. After a week it was decided that mortar and machine gun fire be brought to bear on certain valleys in the cordon area with the aim of forcing terrorist groups to keep on the move and thus be more likely to give their presence away.
Whether or not mortar fire was the cause will never be confirmed but it was at the time believed by some members of the Bn to have started a forest fire on 16 June. The next morning, 17 June, a strong wind blew up and the fire spread at an alarming rate. All patrols and cordon parties in the area of the blaze were deployed to help put it out but it was impossible to do so. It burned at a frightening speed, rushing up new valleys and re-entrants as if they were chimneys. One Pl Commander who was involved said that the fire spread on occasions at a speed of at least 30 miles an hour. It was a terrifying experience. It seemed that those who fled before the fire perished whereas those who ran at right angles to its path or even into still smouldering areas through which it had passed, survived.
At mid-day a fire-fighting party from B and D Coys, together with a Pl from 1st Bn The Gordon Highlanders, were trapped in their vehicles in the flames and 21 men were killed or died afterwards from multiple burns. The Bn lost 5 men, Cpl KR Haylock from B Coy, Pte R Beaumont, Pte CJ Gosling and Pte WG Wright from D Coy and Pte Billy Woods of HQ Coy.
Inspired by Mrs Gaherty, mother of Pte Billy Woods, a Service of Remembrance conducted by Canon Richard Hanmer and Rev Maj William Sayer was held on 17 June 1996 in the Regimental Chapel, 40 years on from that dark day in Cyprus, to remember those who died.
(With grateful thanks to Maj Bob Godfrey MC BA for permission to quote from ‘History of The Royal Norfolk Regt 1951-1969 Volume IV’ pp 72-74.  Ed.)
B&C 87

Editorial Rule
 To qualify for inclusion in the B&C there is only one rule - something described must have been said to have happened. 
The authority is the Editor, British Army Review No 114 Dec 96, `If the facts don`t fit the legend, print the legend’.

However, the rules of good taste, respect and confidentiality are always applied.

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Editor, Norfolk Section, The Britannia and Castle
 B&C Norfolk Editor