UNFICYP Flight

Established to contribute to the United Nations UNFICYP mission to Cyprus in Mar 1964. Operating in UN colours and uniforms, the Flight was essentially composed of British troops and equipment on a 6 month roulement basis by other AAC units. This arrangement was unsustainable and on 15 Aug 1966, the AAC made the Flight a permanent unit with 4 Sioux (and one in reserve ?). The Sioux were replaced by the re-introduction of 4 Alouette II in 1977 and these were replaced by 3 of the more capable Gazelle in the summer of 1988.

The Flight was tasked by UNFICYP HQ in Nicosia (Lefkosia) until it handed over its responsibilities to Argentina in Sep 1994.

Between Jan 1965 and Dec 1966 a detachment of 3 Wessex HC.2 from 18 Squadron supplemented the UNFICYP strength. These were relieved by 3 Wessex HC.2 of 72 Squadron, which arrived at Nicosia by RAF Belfast heavy transports and served until Mar 1968.