Quote:
When the UN first started operations in Cyprus 1563 Flt were the only RAF helicopter unit on the Island. They were 103 Sqn until July/August 1963 and I cannot find out when they moved to Akrotiri or when they converted to Whirlwinds. They may well have continued with internal security flights as previously during the Cyprus troubles but whether they were finished in a UN colour scheme remains a mystery to me. I cannot remember any past references to them when I was there in 1968.
1563 Flt was formed at Nicosia on 1 Aug 63 initially with 7 Sycamore HR14s. These were replaced by 2 Whirlwind HAR 10s on 1 Nov 63. The move to Akrotiri seems to have taken place on 4 Nov 67. The Flt was redesignated as 84 Sqn on 17 Jan 72.
This info is from the Air-Britain book "RAF Flying Training & Support Units since 1912".
The same source quotes two aircraft used by the flight:
Sycamore HR 14 XG517/D
Whirlwind HAR 10 XP399/U
No dates given though.
Sorry, but can't offer any help with colour schemes.
Last edited by lauriebe; 12th Aug 2012 at 02:58.