On the 19th of October 24, the Sappers in Cyprus event took place in the vicinity of Happy Valley, Episkopi. This annual event brought together 213 Sappers from eight different sub-units, creating a unique opportunity to foster unity and build stronger bonds within the Royal Engineers stationed on the island.
The morning kicked off with a sports day, with friendly competition across four sports: football, cricket, badminton, and volleyball. The atmosphere was, unsurprisingly competitive however, with each team eager to claim victory. The sports events not only provided a platform for healthy competition but also allowed the various sub-units to interact in a fun and engaging way.
As the sports tournaments concluded, attention shifted to the history of the Happy Valley Tunnel, an integral feature of the Episkopi area. Lieutenant Thandi delivered an insightful presentation to the gathered Sappers, the Royal Engineers Association (REA) Cyprus Branch, and Commander British Forces Cyprus (BFC) Air Vice-Marshal Peter Squires OBE. It was particularly heartening to hear from Lieutenant Thandi, who, spoke with great knowledge and passion about the tunnel’s rich history. His presentation not only provided a historical overview but also served as a reminder of the enduring connection between the Sappers and the island of Cyprus.
Following the history session, the Sappers participated in a piped procession through the very tunnel they had just learned about. Led by a Queen’s Gurkha Engineers (QGE) piper Sapper Unique Rai. After the procession, all those present gathered at Tunnel Beach for a group photo. This was followed by a prize-giving ceremony, where 70 Gurkha Parachute Squadron swept the board, claiming the top spots in all four tournaments. Their energy and teamwork were unmatched, setting the tone for the day’s festivities.
A highlight of the evening was an address from the Commander British Forces Cyprus, who praised the event and its significance. He expressed his admiration for the organisation and execution of the day’s activities, as well as reinforcing the importance of Cyprus as a strategic base for the UK. He also emphasised the critical role that the Royal Engineers play in supporting both theatre enablement and the British Forces in Cyprus, highlighting the continued value of the work being done by the Corps in maintaining the operational readiness of the base.
The day’s activities concluded with evening entertainment at the Episkopi Sailing Club. The atmosphere was celebratory, with live entertainment acts setting the mood for a relaxed and enjoyable evening. The food, provided by 70 Gurkha Parachute Squadron, was exceptional, with a menu that reflected both the cultural heritage and culinary skills of the squadron. QGE Sappers performing a traditional Gurkha Khukuri Display.
Captain Ram Rai, QGE, the officer in charge of organising the event, took the opportunity to thank the REA Cyprus Branch, RHQ QGE, and HQ RE for their vital support and funding, which made the day possible. His leadership ensured that the event was a great success, providing a memorable experience for all involved.
