SOLDIERS from Gwent are on a UN mission to Cyprus helping keep the peace between the Turkish and Greek communities.

Territorial Army soldiers from the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia), Newport-based 104 Regiment Royal Artillery and 3rd Battalion the Royal Welsh are serving in Operation Tosca, the British United Nations peacekeeping mission to the island.

There has been a state of continuing conflict there since the Turkish invasion of the north of the island in 1974, and the UN patrol a buffer zone between the two sides. Most of the Welsh soldiers are based at the UN Protected Area near to the abandoned Nicosia International Airport, which has not been used since the invasion.

For Gunner James Robinson, 19, of Brynmawr, the six-month tour is his first: “It’s been very hot and it’s hard work. I work on the gates and within the security element of the operation.

“I would like to do more tours,” said the gunner, who serves with 211 Battery, 104 Regiment, Royal Artillery.

“I had to explain to my mother to stop her getting worried but allmyfamily are supportive and proud of me for coming out here.”

Staff Sergeant Howard Russell, 43, of Ebbw Vale, also serves with 211 Battery, 104 Regiment Royal Artillery.

Staff Sgt Russell, who is married to Michelle and dad to Scott, nine, and Craig, three, has previously served in Iraq and is part of the mobile force reserve which can be called out to any part of the island should tensions arise. “Security is the most important element of what we do here,” he said.

Dad-of-one Lance Corporal Jonathan Howells, 32, from Blaenavon, is a combat engineer with the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) but works as a civilian as a countryside ranger for Torfaen council. He said: “Being away from my family has been hard because this is my first prolonged length of time away from them.

“This place is fascinating and the UNPA is stuck in a time warp. It’s hard to grasp.

'Posting has taught me a lot'

ONE of the five women working as part of mobile force reserve is Sapper Victoria Reed from Blaenavon.

The 25-year-old had studied sports science at the University of Wales, Newport, but wanted to do something more after she graduated.

The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) soldier said: “For me there were three options when I left uni – leisure, teaching or the Army.

“If something did kick off then I would be part of 3 platoon, MFR, and go out to help calm any situation down.

“Before I came out I wasn’t aware of what the UN did.

There are so many people back home who are oblivious to the situation and how long the UN have been here.”

The trip has taught her a lot, she said.

“It’s improved my confidence, you take advice about the choices you make and there is so much experience people pass on to you,” she added.