EOKA veterans’ anger at Kyrenia monument to their British victims

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
29/11/2008 17:46

EOKA fighters are outraged over plans by Britons living in the north to erect a memorial to the 371 British soldiers killed during the Cypriot struggle for independence.



According to the website of the ‘Friends of the Cyprus Memorial’, a memorial is to be erected in the old British cemetery at Kyrenia to mark the 50th anniversary of “the ending of the Cyprus Emergency”.



On it will be inscribed the names of the 371 British servicemen – 28 members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, 274 British Army, and 69 Royal Air Force who died there 1955-1959, the website said.



For more follow link ........



http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/ Click on news at top left of page

pilgrim



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 1404

Message Posted:
29/11/2008 17:53

We should protest our disgust that they should announce their disgust.

cocos


Joined: 04/04/2008
Posts: 129

Message Posted:
29/11/2008 17:55

They're probably disgusted because its acknolwedging that EOKA exists and did kill not only TC but GC and British, something the world seems to want to forget

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
29/11/2008 18:42

It's in disgustingly poor taste to exploit the memory of our dead servicemen for political reasons, which this plainly is. The fact that the British High Commission want nothing to do with it tells you all you need to know. The vast majority of our dead are buried in the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Wayne's Keep in the buffer zone outside Nicosia, and that is where they are commemorated.



I'd be interested to know who is funding this proposal and if a foreign country is involved in any way. Given the timing, people could be forgiven for thinking somebody somewhere is trying to derail the peace talks.

rcroton


Joined: 05/06/2008
Posts: 192

Message Posted:
29/11/2008 18:48

I think its a great idea, everyone from the South seems to foget what happend leading upto the turkish troops landing. The British should be remembered.

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
29/11/2008 18:51

rcroton msg 5,



The Turkish invasion had NOTHING to do with British servicemen killed in the EOKA campaign of the 1950s. You are tarnishing the memory of our fallen by bringing politics into it - especially when you're on decidedly shaky ground.

gibson335


Joined: 01/11/2008
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
29/11/2008 18:55

Pike



A memorial for war dead can in no way be described as " disgustingly poor taste" as you care to phrase it. I find your comment in disgustingly poor taste as these soldiers were here to help the situation for both sides NOT be murdered by terrorist scumbags who could only shoot in the back or plant bombs to maim and kill not only these soldiers but their families as well.



If the EOKA scum supporters don't like it TOUGH TITTY

WAZ-24-7



Joined: 18/10/2008
Posts: 695

Message Posted:
29/11/2008 18:56

Excellent comment PPike.

I wonder if these resident Brits fully comprehend the significance of such a proposal.

Of course we support commemoration of all soldiers killed during active duty.

The future of this island could be at a convergence of aspiration and such proposals certaily do not help.

iceman


Joined: 15/08/2008
Posts: 724

Message Posted:
29/11/2008 18:57

The official link to memorial website is http://www.britishcyprusmemorial.org/

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
29/11/2008 19:08

Gibson msg7,



If you have a thing about our former enemies EOKA, then take a trip down south and walk about with a placard. This issue is about the erection of an unofficial monument to British forces dead that our own government wants nothing to do with - for the very reasons I've stated.



I'm astounded that some people are having apparent difficulty seeing this disgraceful gesture for what it is. Our fallen servicemen would be turning in their graves if they knew how easily some people find it to cheapen and stain their memory for the sake of some tacky and politically inept "pro-TRNC" gesture.

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
29/11/2008 19:11

Waz,



Nice one. The memory of our fallen servicemen deserves protection and I'm glad our Foreign Office is standing firm against this.

gibson335


Joined: 01/11/2008
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
30/11/2008 09:45

Pike/waz



These soldiers were murdered by terrorists and deserve to be remembered as do all soldiers who are killed on active service. As far as this inept British Government is concerned ( like it's Labour predecessor at the time of the killings) soldiers are no more than cannon fodder to bolster their political machinations as witnessed by the fact that no Labour M.P. has ever bothered to attend when dead from Iraq or Afghanistan are returned home. Perhaps you feel the dead from Iraq shouldn't be honoured as they are part of an illegal war brought about by lies and deceit.



As far as the unification talks go I note you don't comment about the machginations of your Greek Cypriot friends at this week's football match in Famagusta or the disgusting t shirts on sale in England. Double Standards as usual from you and your cronies.

Harold2555



Joined: 19/04/2008
Posts: 1139

Message Posted:
30/11/2008 10:04

Their site is an interesting one and until proved otherwise I can take their word that there is no political motivation on the siting of the memorial.



This reaction and some comments on this thread I think demonstrates a larger concern. The lives of soldiers who fell and their sacrifice following the political will of the country is worthy of remembrance regardless of your view of the rights and wrongs of the conflict that they were involved in.



It is easier for countries to forgive and forget than individuals actually engaged in historic conflicts. I do not therefore condemn or criticise any whose reaction is different from mine through personal feeling. Any who would try to make political capital for non related purposes though should be treated with contempt in my opinion.



Paul

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
30/11/2008 12:09

Harold2555: "Any who would try to make political capital for non related purposes though should be treated with contempt in my opinion."



I couldn't agree more.

gibson335


Joined: 01/11/2008
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
30/11/2008 18:13

How anyone with a sane mind can say that a Memorial to murdered soldiers during a period of conflict is for political purposes is quite frankly beyond me. It is simply a mark of respect by people who actually care that these soldiers shouldn't be forgotten

pilgrim



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 1404

Message Posted:
30/11/2008 19:38

Agree gibson

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
30/11/2008 19:57

how can it be a political point ,as we are continuosly told the kktc is not recognised and does not exist ,so it doesn,t make any difference

when it,s erected it won,t be there,will it .





musin

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
30/11/2008 20:53

gibson,



There is already an official memorial to these fallen servicemen at Wayne's Keep in Nicosia. Why is there any need for a second and unofficial one, and why do you think the British government wants nothing to do with this project? Because it's a political stunt with some unsavoury people behind it staining the memory of our dead for their own grubby little agenda in the north of Cyprus.

gibson335


Joined: 01/11/2008
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
01/12/2008 09:59

Pike



You have come out with some bull---- in the past but this is at the top of the list.

What is it to do with you if these people wish to commemorate these soldiers



In a word NOTHING

frontalman



Joined: 28/02/2008
Posts: 499

Message Posted:
01/12/2008 11:28

I think you answered your own question, Eric. As Wayne's Keep is in the buffer zone you need special permission to go there. A more easily accessible memorial is obviously desirable for friends and relatives of the fallen.

charlie55


Joined: 11/08/2008
Posts: 39

Message Posted:
01/12/2008 14:53

pte pike

I have been on this BB for only a short time and have noticed that you also seem to have your own grubby little agenda against all things TRNC and as a exservice man backing a terriost groups who killed british troops is disgraceful also challanging someone to go to nicosia and walk round with a anti AOKA



As new member , the rules of the forum should be fresh in your mind . I am deleting part of your post , as it contains a personal crude suggestion. ---- moderator

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
01/12/2008 17:47

charlie55: "...as a exservice man backing a terriost groups who killed british troops is disgraceful..."



Please highlight wherever I have backed terrorist groups. If you'd done your homework you'd have seen I've described both EOKA and TMT as fascists. I think the problem here is you're confused about the main issue.

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
01/12/2008 17:50

frontal,



Why do you think the British government is not supporting this memorial? Because it's politically motivated and it stinks. Our dead servicemen deserve better than to be sullied by a tacky stunt aimed at boosting recognition for the "TRNC".

gibson335


Joined: 01/11/2008
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
01/12/2008 18:45

Pike



The only tacky stunt here ( or words to that effect!!!!) are coming from you

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
01/12/2008 23:35

Hi Gibson,



Have you ever attempted debate and demonstrating some original thinking rather than simply attacking other members? Have people ever started threads welcoming you back to the BB if you were away for a few days? Judging from your posts, that would be no, and no.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
01/12/2008 23:57

John I hate to tell you this and you might want to sit down for a while.

The reason why you are always welcome back is because you are entertaining, I mean you always make me and other people laugh with your postings. And I think you have great potential as a stand up comic and failing that I know a man that can get you a job in the circus, that is of course if all of your other occupations do not pan out.

Just let me know. I know a few people and I can make it happen for you. You might have to take a pay cut from what you are being paid by your present employers but I am sure you will get more job satisfaction.

AJ

gibson335


Joined: 01/11/2008
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
02/12/2008 10:45

Well said AJ



Pike

It is seriously difficult to have a serious debate with (UNST)ABLE SEAMAN Pike due to the blinkered and unsupportable statements emanating from you. As for original thinking all you do is trip out the same tired old propoganda that we have heard from Greek Cyprus since time immemorial. So perhaps you could start yourself by coming out with originality rather than the same tired old comments on different threads. If you take up AJ's offer as a Stand up comic I will pay to see you as you always give myself and many others a good laugh.

Donyork


Joined: 08/01/2009
Posts: 2

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 17:05

Just clicked onto this topic — and quite appalled at the comments of PtePike, as indeed obviously are others. He should not be wearing that uniform, if indeed he is entitled to it (though in that case why Pte?). As for his claim that the people behind the memorial are ‘unsavoury’ he should read their website. General Sir John Waters, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon, former chief of the air staff and president of the Battle of Britain Memorial, Lieutenant General Sir Henry Beverley, former commandant of the Royal Marines....and, of course, the Royal British Legion. A Google search also brings up the Guards Association, the Light Infantry, the Royal Artillery, the Royal Air Force Association and so on. If there is ‘a tacky little stunt’ I venture that it is his.

Chicken Run


Joined: 11/10/2008
Posts: 252

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 17:28

Don't worry Donyork... Pikey has been recently banned from Cyprus44 (Can't think why)



However, he was great to wind up you know! :o)

littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 17:34

" Don't worry Donyork... Pikey has been recently banned from Cyprus44 (Can't think why)







However, he was great to wind up you know! :o) "



How Pathetic,



just about sums up the recent trend on here it is fun wo wind up malign and have a go rather than be helpful kind and considerate.

Cypfan


Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 104

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 17:40

Chicken Run,



"Don't worry Donyork... Pikey has been recently banned from Cyprus44 (Can't think why)"



Says who? He's still listed officially as a top posting member, Maybe you mean he hasn't posted for a week or so.





"However, he was great to wind up you know! :o)"





And he usually gets the better of his opponents, so maybe you are one of them.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 17:41

I understand that PP has not been banned from this forum.

iceman


Joined: 15/08/2008
Posts: 724

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 17:56

Well....If he is not banned how come he cannot log on?

littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 17:58

may be some one changed his password ?

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 18:00

He may of course already be on here under an assumed name!

iceman


Joined: 15/08/2008
Posts: 724

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 18:06

No1Doyen

Anyone could get a second or third name by registering,thats not the point...

Why should he be banned and forced to use another name for no reason?

Chicken Run


Joined: 11/10/2008
Posts: 252

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 18:09

Lighten up little Nige... I used to have great fun with Pikey. He could wind people up with the best of them!! I certainly do not "wind up malign and have a go" at people unless it's for a reason. And please don't call me pathetic... you don't know me!

Tell me more about how you change peoples passwords?



Cypfan... I am just going by a thread i was reading earlier where someone who knows him was asking why he had been banned. And i don;t think he got the better of me, it wasn't a competition... it was generally political discussion that ended with a smile!!!

Cypfan


Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 104

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 18:16

No probs, CR.

littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 18:40

Chicken Run



I did not say you were pathetic.



I said it was pathetic to try to wind people up.



Campbel ( pp es etc etc etc ) is a very articulate educated and cultural chap he does not need me to stand his corner,.



Changing passwords is done via the forum control panel, I know not who has what access to what controls on here.







Indeed I do knot know you c/ r hence it would be illogical for me to comment or criticise you I merely took exeption to some of the contents of your post.

Tiggy


Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 1994

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 18:41

The forum is informative and for fun etc, not for getting the better out of anyone.



The mentioned person took great delight to belittle users and also used his propaganda to frighten buyers that they would loose properties etc. In my own mind he is not missed. If he does return then within a short period of time he will be back to his boring drivel and sleazy remarks.

Cypfan


Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 104

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 18:47

Not so sure that wasn't a personal attack, msg n40.

Tiggy


Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 1994

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 19:30

I'm sure it is not. In my own mind and opinion.



Have another think about it and don't be sitting on the fence. Be brave, be sure.



If you decide it is, then contact a moderator and give him or her your opinion and see what they do about it. I will accept what ever the decision is from them.



No need for any further messages from either of us, unless you want to keep it going.....me...I'm not interested in that.

augusta



Joined: 10/06/2008
Posts: 173

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 19:38

I have just read through this post. I cannot believe that so many people are getting their knickers in such a twist over Pte Pikes comments, OR that he should be banned from the forum. He voices views that we need to think about how to oppose. There is no use in attacking him personally.



That the British government is not endorsing a new memorial to the dead servicemen must surely come as no surprise in the present political situation?

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 20:04

Hmm just found this thread.. Now I can understand why Pike riled so many members.. He went in all guns blazing.. I was shocked..



I read on ..



I saw VERY little constructive comments.. plenty of rudeness.. but Pikey had a point..



Now I can see both sides - really .. Two Ulster Politicians for whom I had great admiration are involved in this.. the website refers to "TRNC" without the "" "" They are fervent supporters of "TRNC" and supporters of the work the British Army did in Northern Ireland.



As Pikey says this is NOT an official services memorial.. but that does not make it "offensive"..



Now EOKA.. YES, they killed UK service personnel - many of them received training by Irish nationalists. The British politicians weren't "innocent" in playing off GC v TC .. divide and rule .. Let's not forget that while Britain insisted Cyprus could not have it's independence - most other colonies could..



Are we rude about Germans, Israelis, Irish ( etc) who killed UK service pe

Cypfan


Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 104

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 20:27

Please note , as a relatively new poster ??? the contents of your post suggests otherwise , you are deliberately trying to incite negative posts and cause unrest on this forum . i am deleting this post and every subsequent negative remark that you deem to post -------- Simbas

Cypfan


Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 104

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 21:09

If you are a moderator you can tell me what rule has been broken.



"Inciting negative posts"?? What's that supposed to mean?











PS , exactly what it says , Simbas --- moderator

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
09/01/2009 08:40

Ok, let me take a wild guess here... Cyfan = Pikey..?



I'm NOT trying to get you ( Cyfan) banned, it would just be great if you could post as yourself and the mods /owner could ( finally) clarify to us about posts that remind members about the status of "TRNC".. viz my answer to Vaughan re EHIC cars and Health treatment



Like I keep saying *I* DON'T want to be banned, and if ,say, I answer "TRNC" Vaughan's Q - ( the answer which includes an explanation stating something a rule here says can't be discussed ) am I walking into a "trap"..?! ;)





The moment Cyfan's (Pikey's" ) post was edited the thread stopped dead.



My email addy is in clear and so if this is a matter to be discussed offline, I can be emailed.

Donyork


Joined: 08/01/2009
Posts: 2

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 11:50

Interesting point about the name Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus not being given with quote marks around it on http://www.britishcyprusmemorial.org — though the answer to that is revealing. Only Greek-Cypriots use quote marks. Mmmmm indeed.



The fact that it is not ‘an official’ memorial is a point that could be made only by someone who does not understand that in Britain there are only two ‘official’ memorials — the Cenotaph and the National Armed Forces Memorial in Staffordshire. All other memorials — regimental or village green or whatever — are private. The government has no involvement in these whatsoever (so they don’t find themselves being asked for grants).

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 15:15

Donoyork



re msg 48



Are you saying only GCs refer to TRNC"... "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus"



If so, please revert and I can post some official EU, ECHR, and Australian , Irish , UK govt websites to "illuminate" you and this might help you to se WHY this memorial IS making a political point , and why the UK High Commission won't send a representative.



I can also reassure you that other non "official" memorials to UK service personnel who lost their lives in nations that gained independence from Britain DO have members of High Commissions represented.

SaorAlba


Joined: 05/01/2009
Posts: 53

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 15:21

Donyork:



"Only Greek-Cypriots use quote marks. Mmmmm indeed."



Not really. They only do that if they are quoting from TRNC sources. You'll be hard pushed to find any serious body calling it that at all. The UN, EU, ECHR etc only refer to Cyprus, be it north of or Turkish-occupied, as does the rest of the world. That is the correct and legal definition.

SaorAlba


Joined: 05/01/2009
Posts: 53

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 15:25

Donyork: "All other memorials — regimental or village green or whatever — are private. The government has no involvement in these whatsoever (so they don’t find themselves being asked for grants)."



Wrong again. Maybe we haven't been to the same Remembrance parades. The official Commonwealth memorials can be found all over the UK and all over the world where our guys have fallen. They all bear the inscription: "Their Names Liveth For Evermore." This proposal is unofficial and is being used for political purposes, which is wrong.