Turkish Cypriots were also remembered at the Remembrance Sunday ceremonies organized by the Royal Legion for those who served Britain in World War II and other conflicts. At the four ceremony on November 10, the Turkish community in England paid respect to their ancestors who served Britain.
Research has shown that nearly 200 people from Cyprus fought for Britain and were martyred in a wide geography from Poland to Egypt. It is thought that the number of Turkish Cypriot soldiers who joined the Cyprus Regiment in World War II reached 5,000. There are also many Turkish Cypriot women who serve as nurses or join the Women’s Royal Army Corps. During a brief visit to Cyprus in 1943, Winston Churchill paid tribute to the soldiers of the Cyprus Regiment who served with honour on many fronts from Libya to Dunkirk.
The Cyprus Regiment, established in 1940, was initially commanded by British officers. However, as the war dragged on, Turkish and Greek Cypriot soldiers were promoted to the rank of commissioned officer and non-commissioned officer. Finally, Lieutenant Colonel Ömer Faik Müftüzade (OBE, QGM) became the first non-British commander of the regiment. This year, for the first time, Turkish Cypriots took part in the commemoration ceremonies by laying wreaths simultaneously in both London and Kyrenia.
The Turkish Women’s Aid Association (TWPA), which attended the commemoration ceremony, made the following statement: We are so proud that the TWPA laid wreaths in four London boroughs today- Haringey, Barnet, Enfield and Elstree/Borehamwood – on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot Remembrance Society for our community. Many of our members have parents, family members and friends who served and gave up their todays so we can have our tomorrows…”
In addition to TWPA, various associations and representatives, including the British Turkish Cypriot Association (BTCA), the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations (CTCA) also took part in the event, representing the Turkish Cypriot community by laying wreaths.
