UNFICYP United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
OP SNOWGOOSE 58
31 July 1992 – 16 March 1993
OP SNOWGOOSE 58
31 July 1992 – 16 March 1993
CONTEXT
In the interest of international peace and security, the Mission was established in March 1964 to use its best efforts to prevent the recurrence of fighting between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and, as necessary, to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of law and order and a return to normal conditions. Since the hostilities of 1974, the mandate has included supervising the cease-fire and maintaining a buffer zone between the lines of the Cyprus National Guard and of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces.
ELIGIBILITY & CRITERIA
Awarded for 30 days service between 27 March 1964 and 27 March 1965. However, after 27 March 1965, 90 days consecutive service is required.
DESCRIPTION
A circular bronze alloy medal, 1.4 inches (35mm) in diameter.
On the obverse, the representation of the UN symbol surmounted by the straight letters UN, both in bas-relief.
On the reverse, an inscription bearing the words, "IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE" in English (and only in English).
A 0.5 inch (12mm) bronze ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through a small hollow ball at the top of a claw joined to the top of the medal.
The ribbon has three equal bars, one of white in the centre and two of UN blue at either end. The bars are separated by two narrow bands of dark blue symbolizing the Mediterranean Sea.
WEARING
The medal shall be worn in sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive; on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon described above, after the UNYOM medal and before the UNIPOM medal.
POSTNOMINALS
The use of a post-nominal is not authorized for this medal.
The following unit personnel were awarded the medal on the conclusion of OP SNOWGOOSE 58 in March 1993.
Lieutenant Kent A Wickens Master Bombardier Robert G Wishnicki
Bombardier Ken Chui Bombardier Rick Tennant
Bombardier Oliver Young Bombardier Dave Urquhart
Bombardier Lisa Abbott Bombardier Anthony Gee
Bombardier Shane Hall Gunner Dolan Magrath
Bombardier Randy Phillips
In the interest of international peace and security, the Mission was established in March 1964 to use its best efforts to prevent the recurrence of fighting between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and, as necessary, to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of law and order and a return to normal conditions. Since the hostilities of 1974, the mandate has included supervising the cease-fire and maintaining a buffer zone between the lines of the Cyprus National Guard and of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces.
ELIGIBILITY & CRITERIA
Awarded for 30 days service between 27 March 1964 and 27 March 1965. However, after 27 March 1965, 90 days consecutive service is required.
DESCRIPTION
A circular bronze alloy medal, 1.4 inches (35mm) in diameter.
On the obverse, the representation of the UN symbol surmounted by the straight letters UN, both in bas-relief.
On the reverse, an inscription bearing the words, "IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE" in English (and only in English).
A 0.5 inch (12mm) bronze ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through a small hollow ball at the top of a claw joined to the top of the medal.
The ribbon has three equal bars, one of white in the centre and two of UN blue at either end. The bars are separated by two narrow bands of dark blue symbolizing the Mediterranean Sea.
WEARING
The medal shall be worn in sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive; on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon described above, after the UNYOM medal and before the UNIPOM medal.
POSTNOMINALS
The use of a post-nominal is not authorized for this medal.
The following unit personnel were awarded the medal on the conclusion of OP SNOWGOOSE 58 in March 1993.
Lieutenant Kent A Wickens Master Bombardier Robert G Wishnicki
Bombardier Ken Chui Bombardier Rick Tennant
Bombardier Oliver Young Bombardier Dave Urquhart
Bombardier Lisa Abbott Bombardier Anthony Gee
Bombardier Shane Hall Gunner Dolan Magrath
Bombardier Randy Phillips
The main gate to the Canadian camp, tastefully painted in Artillery red over blue. The Force Reserve Troop from the Rural Troop pose on the Grizzly for their formal group photo in front of the Ledra Palace.
Bombardier Rick Tennant demonstrates the appropriate attire for a foot patrol. AN-PRC 25 set with UN flag attached to the aerial. Twin armlets with Canadian flag on left shoulder, UN badge on right. Master Bombardier Rob Wishnicki's locker with his combat clothing ready to go (note the ironing of the combat back in the day).
Each section house also contained the required protective vests should the situation heat up. Most patrols only required soft-skinned vehicles with communication capability. Master Bombardier Rob Wishnicki as Line NCO with his Mitsubishi Pajaro.
The force also had the capability to respond with a quick reaction force mounted in armoured vehicles such as the Grizzly AVGP. Master Bombardier Rob Wishnicki supervises Bombardier Shane Hall and Gunner Brad Laroque (116th Independent Field Battery) to ensure that their vehicle is properly outfitted with M72 66 mm Light Anti Armour Weapon, 60 mm mortar, 84mm Karl Gustaf, 50 calibre Machine Gun and other equipment. Weapon proficiency was maintained on a regular basis.
The vehicle parking area in the buffer zone by the section house. This location was actually part of Nicosia.
Not all the UN posts in Cyprus were luxurious as stories have often made them out to be. This hill top OP in the Rural Battery Area of Operations provides sufficient overhead cover if required and provides a large field of view.
The view from a house in the Buffer Zone shows the status quo that was left at the end of hostilities. Checkpoint enroute to Louroujina pocket.
It's always great to have Communications elements in place to provide a satellite link to home on the other side of the globe. CS 56 Section House in the Buffer Zone in Rural Battery.
Defensive upgrades built by one of the opposing factions at night in an attempt to (unsuccessfully) avoid the UN Force detection. View from CS 56 into the buffer zone. Certainly a beautiful area but still homesickness for Canadian scenery prevailed.
Bombardier Rick Tennant demonstrates the appropriate attire for a foot patrol. AN-PRC 25 set with UN flag attached to the aerial. Twin armlets with Canadian flag on left shoulder, UN badge on right. Master Bombardier Rob Wishnicki's locker with his combat clothing ready to go (note the ironing of the combat back in the day).
Each section house also contained the required protective vests should the situation heat up. Most patrols only required soft-skinned vehicles with communication capability. Master Bombardier Rob Wishnicki as Line NCO with his Mitsubishi Pajaro.
The force also had the capability to respond with a quick reaction force mounted in armoured vehicles such as the Grizzly AVGP. Master Bombardier Rob Wishnicki supervises Bombardier Shane Hall and Gunner Brad Laroque (116th Independent Field Battery) to ensure that their vehicle is properly outfitted with M72 66 mm Light Anti Armour Weapon, 60 mm mortar, 84mm Karl Gustaf, 50 calibre Machine Gun and other equipment. Weapon proficiency was maintained on a regular basis.
The vehicle parking area in the buffer zone by the section house. This location was actually part of Nicosia.
Not all the UN posts in Cyprus were luxurious as stories have often made them out to be. This hill top OP in the Rural Battery Area of Operations provides sufficient overhead cover if required and provides a large field of view.
The view from a house in the Buffer Zone shows the status quo that was left at the end of hostilities. Checkpoint enroute to Louroujina pocket.
It's always great to have Communications elements in place to provide a satellite link to home on the other side of the globe. CS 56 Section House in the Buffer Zone in Rural Battery.
Defensive upgrades built by one of the opposing factions at night in an attempt to (unsuccessfully) avoid the UN Force detection. View from CS 56 into the buffer zone. Certainly a beautiful area but still homesickness for Canadian scenery prevailed.
