| February 1975 saw the Battalion reformed and
revigorated in Shoeburyness after a well earned period of block leave.
However any illusions of a quiet and peaceful existence were soon
shattered. The first priority for the Battalion being to train up on its
basic Conventional Warfare skills and procedures. Exercises and training
taking place at LYDD and HYTHE, STANFORD, COLCHESTER and SALISBURY PLAIN,
the latter being a joint venture with a Company from the 2nd/4th Bn
Australian Regiment. The Battalion was warned off for a six month
unaccompanied tour of CYPRUS from August 1975 until February 1976, this
being an emergency tour with the operational task of preserving the
integrity of the Sovereign Base areas. The Cyprus tour was an enjoyable
one and enabled the Battalion to train to a high degree of Physical fitness
and basic Military Skills. This was just as well as the Battalions next
post in 1976 was ordained to be 'Infantry Demonstration Battalion' at
Warminster. During the CYPRUS tour the Battalion took part in all sporting
competitions and enjoyed success at CROSS COUNTRY (Cyprus Champions),
Football, Rugby, and being represented at Army and Garrison level at
Squash and Tennis.
The return to Shoeburyness saw life continue at a fairly
hectic pace on both the Military and social scene, the highlight of which
was a visit by the Colonel in chief HRH the Prince Phillip, this was
informal and much enjoyed by all ranks. |
