Recollections of a Veteran: Memories from Cyprus in the 1980s

Voted for by our PATREON members, Recollections of a Veteran: Memories from Cyprus in the 1980s, is a short video in which we hear personal stories from Kevin Hicks, a veteran who served in Cyprus during the 1980s. Kevin shares his experiences of life as a military policeman on the Turkish front line in what was a very unusual posting.
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[@stevemolina8801]

I served in the US Navy, in 1974 the ship I was on was deployed to the med. We circled Cyprus during the events of 74. What we heard wasn't good. From one servicemen to another I appreciate your sharing your experiences, thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

You’re most welcome Steve.

[@andrigeogiou8420]

Thanks for the information ..sir .! We all know that of what happened to Cyprus on that time was nothing b it a preplanned game . YES, an American fleet was around the island, forbitting of any help, or re enforcement from Greece to Cyprus ! That was the resin , Greece , couldn't help us . EVEN if ,everything started from Greece , ( that time was under a military junta )..

[@Raedwulf_Of_Middleton]

I'll always remember a story my grandad told me about his time in Cyprus in the late 1950s as part of his national service. He said there was a convoy of 3 trucks passing through the villages, each with a gunman on top. He was told he would be the gun on the first truck but as it was, his friend who had just come back from a tour in Malaysia said he would jump up front, so my grandad ended up as the gun in the second truck. As tensions were so high with attacks all over the island, they were strictly told: if anyone approaches and raises their hands above shoulder height, shoot to kill. My grandad said passing through a village, a small boy, he said must have been 5 years old maximum, ran out of a house and towards the convoy. The first truck fired at the boy in the chest and as he fell back, a grenade rolled out of his hand and into the house, exploding. My grandad said had he been in that first first truck, he doesn't think he would have been able to shoot such a small child, just for seemingly running up to them. As I said, his friend had just come back from Malaysia and seen horrific atrocities, even finding one of their own Royal Signals who had been taken and burned alive. So he took no chances. So much pain and sadness for such a small and beautiful island. Thanks for all of your content, Kevin. Definitely one of my favourite channels. I do especially love your medieval content but I certainly do enjoy listening to your personal stories. You do a fantastic job of telling the stories of ordinary soldiers and people. History is a lived experience, more than just words in books. So thank you.

[@patrickbo2045]

Good grief, what a gruesome tale! I know for sure I could never have opened fire on that boy.

[@la_old_salt2241]

​@@patrickbo2045 You have to do your duty, and sometimes it's messy.

[@thehistorysquad]

Such a sad reality of that time. Thanks for watching and your comments.

[@hunnerat-touaregi4439]

​@@la_old_salt2241remember that when it's your turn to bleed and your descendants are made into paste.

[@paulmanson253]

@@hunnerat-touaregi4439 Adults,the kid's parents presumably,sent that child out to die. The thing to do is to go inside that house,interrogate the adults,then shoot the offenders. They do not deserve to live.Sending that child to his death is way worse than shooting the kid that is going to kill you.

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

I think I speak for everybody that watches your show, don't ever say to make a long story short, we all would like to hear your long stories! I enjoy them thoroughly!

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣 how lovely, thanks

[@janetbowersox83]

What a touching story about sharing food with the shepherd boy. Even in war there are positive moments

[@ervakucukyavuz8161]

As I Turkish woman myself, I was born almost two decades later but my father was in the navy and I grew up listening both heartwarming and sad stories between Greeks and Turks in Cyprus. But yours will always have a special place in my heart as a British soldier’s point of view. Thank you ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

You’re most welcome.

[@A.Musa76]

I’m a Cypriot lost my older brother and few of my family during the massacre. I’m glad you did not go too deep into your stories. It’s a touching subject but wish we Cypriot’s can put the past behind us and unite together again as a whole.

[@rockstarJDP]

There was a regular at the pub I used to work at, he was a tanker and served all over. I used to get bollocked by the landlady regularly for leaving customers waiting because I was hanging on his every word 😂 you remind me of him in your way of telling your history, please keep these coming Kevin, every serviceman deserves to tell their story ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

That’s so true, thanks very much.

[@hannahbrown2728]

Once again lovely curated stories that dont just bog you down with the grim details, but doesnt shy away from them either. And then the little moments of peace, hearing the response of 'let them play' and sharing a meal while watching some Geep. Thanks again Kevin!

[@als3022]

The dichotomy of war and peace. Lovely and then sorrowful stories. The human experience. And how the personal touch makes it hit so much more

[@clairegresswell]

Golly. I was in Cyprus at the exact same time - I attended Episkpoi Primary. Dad was serving out there for a couple of years. I remember during this time, the Falklands were invaded & Dad was "standing by." I'm grateful he didn't go (selfishly), but it was touch & go. I loved it out there & have wonderful memories. So much so that I will never go back - no hotels along the beaches, no clubs, etc. I don't want to ruin my memories by seeing the development of the tourist industry. Troodos Moutains were memorable, most notably because I became dreadfully ill; apparently Im neither good with height or being aboard ship/boat/ferry (The Isles of Scilly crossing & every other sea journey thereafter made me terribly sick). Thank you for your tales & the trip down memory lane. 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, I taught road safety at Episkopi Primary. I know what you mean though about not going back because of all of the development. 👍

[@stevem7868-y4l]

I enjoyed it Kevin, as usuall !! i will keep this brief, back in the mid 70's i was 17, worked at a place in an engineering shop, we all had a real laugh, except one old guy, prob in in 40-50's ish, this guy was Jon, he never spoke, never had a laugh, never joined in, he was asked one day why he was such a misrable old sod, he turned away from us, took his white coat, then shirt off, to reveal bullet and whip lash scars and burns ALL over his back, and said, when you have this done to you, you keep quiet, Jon was polish, and had been abused by the Germans in WW2, this still upsets me now, in 2024

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for sharing that Steve, quite sobering for a 17 year old to hear 👍🏻

[@jeffklepzig920]

I'm an aussie. My uncle was in Cyprus in the 80s with the UN peace keeping force. He was based in Nicosia. Keep up the good work Kevin. Love the videos.

[@chubbymoth5810]

I had great fun and felt the sadness in your stories. Thank you for talking about these experiences. I can imagine the scene of chaos unfolding before your eyes with the night time landings. Oh my golly!

[@isabellabourchier3498]

Lovedd those stories. We were posted to Episkopi 1984 to 86 and absolutely loved it. I will go back one day.

[@clairegresswell]

My Dad was too - 1982 - 1984. I attended Episkopi Primary & had a fantastic time out there. We travelled the whole island, even the Turkish side, visited Toodos, etc. I won't go back because I don't want my memories ruined. Funny how closely we are all linked 😊

[@JesusChrist8451]

I think its important you tell your stories. Imagine the history we'd have recorded if more people did.

[@covidwasacon]

Skilled story-teller....what a guy !

[@General-History101]

My favourite KZbinr!

[@General-History101]

Forgot to mention your style helped me develop my own for my channel!

[@Tyrfingr]

Love the part with the kids playing war, something wholesome about that.

[@jeannadriver9552]

I DID enjoy that! Especially the last one w/the shepherd boy. Made my eyes water - see how kind people can be! 💖💖

[@Aramis419]

WE DEMAND MORE!!! My dad was in Vietnam and - to this day, he can't say where - his platoon had to cross a bridge to get back to friendly lines. Problem was, the bridge was fortified and had two machine gun emplacements on each side by the North Vietnamese. Then, his platoon noticed that there was a whole troop of "the bad guys" coming up behind them. So, he just dropped everything, started screaming, and started running across the bridge! The Vietnamese scattered, jumping into the river, the relief column dropped to the ground, and "our" boys made it across the bridge! War is hell, but if you have the sense of humor, there are fun stories in it.

[@scowler7200]

How the hell'd that work?

[@kariannstickle2708]

@@scowler7200honestly, a gunless soldier running towards me and screaming would get me to scatter too

[@lindaashford7187]

Lovely video Kevin, thanks for sharing with us. I lived at Dhekelia Camp for a while whilst hubby was seconded there with SSVC early 90s, what a beautiful island.

[@milieu7015]

I'd love to hear more of your stories

[@lanzknecht8599]

Kevin has the unique ability of making history experienceable! Great video!

[@Wychinsmom]

I enjoyed this very much. Thanks for doing this. My father, who recently passed away, went to Cyprus with the Queens Own in 1967 & with the Canadian Airborne in 1974.

[@jameshughdalton]

Absolutely loved it! I could listen to little anecdotal stories like this all day. Thanks for that. I would love to hear more of your stories from your time in Northern Ireland if it's not too uncomfortable. I wish I had asked my father more about his time here. Belfast born Royal engineer.

[@-Satchmo-]

Your story about the shepherd boy, I would watch the village kids in Afghanistan herd sheep. One of the older villagers that worked on our outpost would be up at the crack of dawn hauling straw or wheat so far away he would fade into the horizon, just to come in hours later and dig up sand for us. It was a completely different world. When doing route clearance missions we would pass by huts made of stones and sticks, with villagers bathing and washing their car in the river. Later on in the deployment we were at the gate inspecting truck drivers’ paperwork, so I’ve had the experience of talking to many locals first hand with an interpreter. Beautiful country, shitty war.

[@mjnomy]

Thank you for your service, and your unforgettable stories.

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

We had friends, both active duty, stationed in Turkey when trouble erupted there. People don't understand the military lifestyle. How fortunate you had Mark for safety and warmth if needed. Thanks for serving. Look at the memories you'll have to share with your family, friends and hopefully us. May GOD bless

[@williamshafer1996]

I love your channel sir. I've been cooped up for almost a year, and you channel has kept me sane. I'm disabled so money is very tight, but if I were rich, I'd hire you to tell me stories of the olde days. Thank you for all your hard work! Your life seems very interesting.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's so kind of you William, thank you. I'm glad you can get to watch & enjoy the history 👍🏻

[@leegrant1800]

Thank you for sharing these two stories they're rather interesting stories like this should never go a miss I also have a photo of my nan's Grandad who was a Sharpshooter during the Great War I'm quite sure if he was alive still witty isn't what I'm quite sure if he was he would have many stories to tell❤

[@Single.White.Female]

Your stories are so interesting, especially the peaceful lunch you had in Cypress.

[@SCOTTBULGRIN]

I very much enjoyed your story about Cyprus. Thank You.

[@kaleblollar1738]

I don't know how I stumbled onto your channel, but I'm very glad I that I did. Thank you for sharing your stories!

[@thehistorysquad]

Welcome!

[@thedolt9215]

Kevin, you can tell a story like no one else… Please keep them coming!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do 👍🏻

[@gijoe508]

Thank you for telling these stories

[@cicerossweetrollz]

I just love hearing your stories, it gives me a lot to think about. I thought the story with the little kids was very wholesome and cute in a strange way. Strange because they play war even though their lives were already stricken with it. The story of the boy with the flute was sweet, and you're right that it does sound like a story from the Bible. I'm glad you two were able to have a silent moment of peace together watching over the "gheep 😂". I will forever call them gheep now because I have run into the same conundrum as you did, and it's such a perfect, simple and comical solution.

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 thank you

[@BoerChris]

Great stories, Kevin. Thank you.

[@junesingleton4233]

Mr Hicks That was amazing and sad. Thank you. Take care June

[@Christopherurich33]

Thank you for your sacrifice

[@kirkmorrison6131]

I remember news stories about the Civil War in Cyprus. It bothered me as much as the Troubles.

[@ardmanuk8536]

Nice stories. My regiment did UN duties in cyprus before I joined them. Remember seeing the the photos of white painted ferrets and blue berets.

[@la_old_salt2241]

Kevin, I can listen to your stories anytime, and I could let you go on until your voice gives out. But of course, thats the time for a pint. God bless, Rob

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣 cheers Rob.

[@oliverclothesoff5397]

More stories please!! Every video you make is awesome! Thanks so much!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Oliver, duly noted 👍🏻

[@bigglock5478]

Beautiful stories. Thank you very much for sharing

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening

[@floydstowe]

Thank you I love your life stories

[@jonnyhailes2105]

Hi Kevin, love all the various channel topics and this one in particular. Native of Belfast here and would love to hear more of your deployment in Northern Ireland. I believe a soldiers perspective of that conflict isnt explored enough, and I think your enthusiasm of discussing this topic as well as your deployments into occupied Germany would really apply well to that story. Keep up the videos and look forward to the next one

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi Jonny, thank you and yes I appreciate what you're saying but Ireland is still quite raw for me and many others. After my last video about Ireland which was looking at some of the more lighthearted experiences, I received hate comments and threats. I do have more stories and experiences but whether they come out on KZbin or not, I'm not sure.

[@jonnyhailes2105]

@@thehistorysquad I understand completely. In any case it fascinates me as a fella in my early 20’s hearing first hand accounts of very recent history. In any case just want to send some love and say keep up the vids, I learn something new with everyone👍

[@axelshawAk]

Everytime I watch another one of your videos. I love you more and more hahaha ❤ thoughts and love from Alaska!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!!

[@cbhlde]

I could listen to you all day; being slightly scared but also intrigued by your presentation and those eyes... those eyes... ;)

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, thanks 👍🏻

[@strawlegalmanfiction5299]

I really enjoy this history...it means a lot...thank you.

[@kadathsmith]

Thank you Sir.

[@i.warrenhastings2526]

Lovely stories, Kevin. Please keep them coming.

[@hemaccabe4292]

Great stories. Thanks.

[@michaelpage4199]

Wow. Kevin this one truly tugged at my heart strings. Especially your last story. Just beautiful. Nobody tells these like you do. Thank you so much for sharing these. Gods speed

[@thehistorysquad]

You're most welcome, thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@Craftbeerdude]

Former royal marine here , always enjoyed staying in Dikalia or Aki. Great runs ashore and a beautiful spot in the Med

[@ManDuderGuy]

Looking forward to more of these

[@slug..]

Great video! THANKS for your service!

[@resignedshore780]

Amazing video, great story telling as always Kevin

[@kennethkarlsson6796]

Thanks again 😊

[@incitatusrecordings473]

5:12 LOL! Oh man...I never regret cracking open a cold Ale when a video drops! Cheers! good video!

[@thehistorysquad]

🍺 cheers buddy

[@HanoiHustler]

As a military brat love the stories,!

[@Oakroot10]

A really good family friend of ours was there in the 50’s. He only ever spoke about it a couple of times, usually after a few beers. Like you Kev, he has some wonderful memories of the place…. And some pretty awful ones that stayed with him all his life. His experiences there influenced the way he lived the rest of his life. He was a good family man who lived his life well, but always wondering if it would make up for taking a life. At his recommendation we honeymooned there as he said we would never find a place with so generous and welcoming people. He was right. Thanks for your stories Kev & your service. Think I saw you a few times at Warwick back in the day. 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for your comment. I've never been back to Cyprus since my service but would like to one day.

[@Oakroot10]

@@thehistorysquad who knows bud, next time you’re in Europe might be a nice journey down memory lane. We’ve holidayed there many times over the years, normally Paphos area, but my mum stayed in Northern Cyprus a few times and enjoyed it & Nicosia is worth a visit as the wall is still there, although not in use like it used to be. Enjoy your road trip 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Will do, thanks 👍🏻@@Oakroot10

[@nickolaspina2970]

Can’t tell you how much I enjoy these videos, and the recounting of events from your service to the crown in the British military. Thank you for all you do to keep this channel going.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you too for watching 👍🏻

[@TheCleesmiester]

Kevin, mate thankyou most sincerely for your absolutely fantastic content. Even though not present in this particular video my personal favourites are all videos with your marvellous models. Awesome stuff mate hope you and your family are keeping well.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers mate, yes all is well, I’m actually back in Blighty visiting family at the moment. Glad you’re enjoying the videos, I’ll get back to the model making soon 👍

[@petercopley1242]

Good listening brilliant stories. 😊

[@rebeccaweil1]

A lovely story

[@lauradavison4044]

Lovely video, very interesting stories, Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Laura 👍🏻

[@filmfan4]

Powerful stuff!

[@mikeburch2998]

That was a really great story. I try to visualize everything that you tell us. Greeting from Arizona.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wonderful! Thanks for listening 👍🏻

[@scrappybobbarker5224]

👍thanks Kevin!

[@mikethespike7579]

One of my work colleagues got caught up in the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 when he was on holiday there with his wife. They'd been there for about a week enjoying themselves until one day, while sunbathing on the beach, they noticed numerous boats on the sea coming towards them. They were Turkish landing craft full of troops and they were landing right in front of them. Needless to say their holiday was over with. They were repatriated a few days later and appeared in the news on TV. And to make this even stranger, another work colleague of mine, a Turkish engineer, was by coincidence visiting his parents in Turkey when the invasion began. Because he was a reserve officer of the Turkish armed forces he was nabbed, put in uniform and given his marching orders. I wish I could now tell you that he was in one of those landing craft and hat met the other work colleague sunbathing on the beach, but that would have been too much of a coincidence.

[@PSDuck216]

Great reminisce! I’ve never been to Cyprus, but I’ve known a couple people who have. All agree it’s a lovely place, if one can avoid the danger zones. I recall one chap who was Army Intelligence. He had a favorite cobbler in Limassol. He bought very durable chukka boots from him. When I knew him, every two years he sent to the man for another pair of boots, even though he was in the States at the time. I loved the story about the Royal Navy destroying the Army’s mole. That story could be made into a comedy for TV!Shop it to the BBC or ITV. The story about the shepherd boy and lunch was touching. Simply beautiful. Stay strong. Cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks mate, will do!

[@andygoddard525]

Very moving Kevin. My wife and I love NCyprus, have been many times. So sad the stories we hear keep up the excellent work

[@Panda-gs5lt]

Served Cyprus 1977-78 at Ledra Palace, Nicosia … managed to get out to Famagusta, a sad and dilapidated place that was clearly a jewel at one time … a 6 month tour and a lifetime of stories.

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh yes for sure, how lovely, thanks for your comment 👍🏻

[@davidstrother496]

Thank you, Kevin. In your usual excellent story telling style, you give some remarkable insights into how peace, and war can co-exist. No chest thumping or bragging, just stories of your experience. Cheers from Texas my friend.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Dave, there’s always another perspective 👍 All the best you down there in Texas

[@d.g.n9392]

I enjoyed your stories. I have no military background, but the story of the kids building a fortress made me think of some of my play in the 1960’s. Boys building forts in the woods. 🙋‍♂️🐈🐈

[@planes124]

Great video, my dad was in the British army 1982-1988 logistics he always wanted to go Cyprus but spent most of his time in Germany and Ireland.

[@thebelfastvikingmartinbrow3603]

Didn't know the British was in Ireland during the 80s. I do know there was some in Northern Ireland. But I might be wrong

[@iancandler5446]

My late father served in Cyprus during the late 50’s, he was assigned as the OC’s driver and as such they had to regularly travel through an area they called “bomb alley” as IED’s where frequently planted there. So one day they’re driving through at breakneck speed as usual when they spot a group of soldiers ahead of them, pulling in they can see they’re beating the living daylights out of two local men, the officer demands to know what’s happening to which one of the men replied that they had caught the men shortly after they had detonated a command wire device, blowing up one of they’re vehicles and killing the men inside. The officer just said carry on men and said to dad ‘come on Pete, let’s get out of here”. The two terrorists died. Another thing dad said was that the army was always paying compensation for shot donkeys, he said you’d be out on night patrol, hear a restless in the scrub and bang, another donkey bites the dust.

[@Beencheeling]

Kevin is the only guy to be exited in a wartime, and i'm laughing my ass off while i'm with you, Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 cheers buddy

[@MichaelWilliams-tv1bm]

A great selection of stories Kevin. Funny, sad, inspiring and hopeful. Thanks for sharing them.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Michael, I’m glad you enjoyed them 👍

[@bbbcfitchburg2563]

Great story Kevin. Those are the kind of memories old soldiers cherish.

[@integraacer420]

Great story Kevin! As always CHEERS!

[@lostinspace466]

Really well told stories, absolutely riveting.

[@GexMax]

Thanks so much for sharing :)

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome 👍🏻

[@chadjordan9382]

Great stories

[@andyf6581]

I served out in Cyprus 1973,74 and 75 in the RAF at RAF Episkopi, in my seventies now but still look through my Cyprus photo album occasionally with very fond memories of wonderful people on a wonderful island, shame the war came along in 74 and ruined the balance of the place.

[@thesinaclwon]

Your kindness and humility is needed in parliament right now.

[@eddiesolo1971]

Touching stories Kev. Many thanks for sharing your life.

[@jonathanrobertson3406]

Oh man, that brought a laugh out of me when you found out it was the local kids. In my childhood, that's exactly what we would have done were we in that situation. Of course... your story took a darker turn after that. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Kevin: very very good. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Dave 👍

[@fredsimmons2793]

Your grounding is superb,and at times Kevin,intimadating.Salute.

[@Cormano980]

My parents moved there in the 90s, I visit whenever I get the chance, fantastic country to visit any season

[@toldyouso5588]

The greatest struggle in any war is the fight to maintain our decent humanity. I too have known civil war. Other than that, I so enjoyed your telling of the DDay like landing, it made me expect the part about the bagpipes.

[@petehall889]

Thanks ever so much for relating some tales from your stint in Cyprus, Kevin - both amusing and less so. I have to admit that I enjoyed them immensely and especially the last little very personal anecdote, which I found rather moving. Your expressive body language and smooth vocal delivery enables one to clearly visualise the scenarios; that's a cracking gift to possess. Top man!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Pete, I really appreciate that.

[@johnbest4513]

Love your videos.

[@williamraybould8393]

Thanks

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi William, thanks for the SUPER, it’s much appreciated. I’m glad you enjoyed the video 👍

[@donnahays1534]

Thank you for sharing. Amazing stories and perspective. Many of us will never see or know of these things without someone such as yourself to share them. I never really understood what was going on in Cypress

[@douglaswhite9777]

Thank you for sharing your past life. I went through a similar thing and lost a long time ago. I was in charge of a Company of mountain people when we were fighting the Viet Cong, not Vietnamese rag, similar to your situation, with these young sheep, herder I don’t know what it is with us, human beings why we have to kill each other why do we have to make war on each other Why can’t we just learn to live in peace 😢 my life I’ve seen nothing but conflict over and over how are long for a world of peace thank you for sharing the story with us deeply appreciate it. God bless you and yours. I hope you have several more years ahead

[@thehistorysquad]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video Douglas, thank you 👍🏻

[@Ol_Durty_Badger]

This is hands down, one of my favorite channels. Great videos, great personality and always interesting content.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much 👍

[@inyrmind]

The videos of you sharing your past experiences are always some of my favorites. Keep up the great work!

[@BleedEaglesGreen023]

Mark looked like a beautiful dog. I really enjoyed the story of the navy making a mess of the landing of reinforcements. Thanks for the video Kevin.