I think you're missing the point...
He wasn't maoning that the aircraft had gone U/S, he was moaning that he'd been delivered to the teminal 5 hours before the flight time, then delayed all day with little time to eat and no chance to call home, with virtually no staff to explain why and those that did making very vague and misleading statements. No wonder he was annoyed, and he'd only been gone 8 weeks!
As for carrying the fault to Cyprus, it makes sense since it would be a lot easier to obtain spares and repair than it would in theatre. Being a window, it may also have been within limits to begin with, and deteriorated on the next leg...
We tend to foget that we are simply a means to an end for the Army. We pat ourselves on the back and nob off home / to the hotel when we complete a flight. They regard us as an obstacle to be overcome or endured on their way to their proper jobs.
Be nice to change that so that they looked forward to being treated with respect and appreciation for the crappy job they've just completed...