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Dates of creation area
Date(s)
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1976-2004 (Creation)
Physical description area
Physical description
36 photographs : col. ; 20.5 x 15 cm or smaller
2 photographs : b&w ; 25 x 20.5 cm or smaller
31 cm of textual records
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Archival description area
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Administrative history
The United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) monitors the ceasefire between Greek and Turkish Cypriots and patrols the famous "Green Line," or the area separating the two groups, which is only a couple of hundred metres apart in some instances. Starting on 6 March 1964, the Canadian Forces had a battalion-sized contingent of peacekeepers in Cyprus, with the first units deployed coming from the Royal 22nd Battalion and an armoured reconnaissance squadron of the Royal Canadian Dragoons. The Canadian Contingent, under the operation codename SNOW GOOSE, were sent not only to mediate ceasefires, but to protect civilians, offer humanitarian aid and restore order among the residents of the two conflicting sides of the small Mediterranean island. In all, 28 Canadian peacekeepers died while serving in Cyprus. The Canadian Contingent in UNFICYP varied in size during the 29 years of Canada's involvement from a high of 1,150 personnel in 1964 to fewer than 500 in the summer of 1974. In all, there were over 25,000 personnel and 26 units under the Canadian Contingent by the time it left in 1993. Canada's deployment of peacekeeping forces in Cyprus is one of the longest overseas commitments Canada has ever made.
Custodial history
Scope and content
Fonds consists of materials documenting the activities of the Canadian Contingent, United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) during the 1970s to the 1990s. Included are photographs, a policy book draft, faxes, an end of tour report and other documents. Duties of those involved in the Cyprus mission are elaborated in the material, and minutes of the forces' activities indicate various details as well. Documentation of parades highlight accomplishments of military personnel. Assorted lists, speeches and itinerary of personnel can be found in the fonds. Memos, bills, forms, facsimiles and other policy papers provide additional insight into the daily activities of the Canadian Contingent, such as on acquiring and disposing of ammunition.
Notes area
Physical condition
Immediate source of acquisition
Fonds was received 20 August 2004 from 3 Canadian Support Group in Montreal, QC.
Arrangement
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Location of originals
Availability of other formats
Restrictions on access
Unclassified
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
None
Finding aids
Copies of the Finding Aid are located in the first file of the fonds and in the Reading Room at the Directorate of History and Heritage. Electronic copies are also available.
Associated materials
Related Records can be found in the Document Collection under the title “United Nations Force in Cyprus Canadian Contingent,” “Force des Nations Unies à Chypre” and “Peacekeeping.”
Associated records can be found in Library and Archives Canada under the title “Canadian Contingent, United Nations Force in Cyprus.” The reference number is R112-228-X-E (formerly RG24G17-3).
Accruals
No further accruals are expected.
General note
In the Kardex Collection, there are two useful documents that can be found. One is a paper presenting the “Canadian View on Peace-keeping in Cyprus,” dated 12 February 1964. It outlines the “Objectives – Impact in the United Nations – Canada Interest,” under 653.003 (D14). There is also a Canadian Army Liaison Establishment file 2390-34/80 Vol. 1 Operations – Cyprus, dated 31 Jan 64 to 17 Mar 64, under 493.009 (D188).