1st Battalion, The Suffolk Regiment were posted to Cyprus from 1956 to 1959, their job being to deal with ‘The National Organization of Cypriot Fighters’ or ‘EOKA’, who were committed to evicting the British. The Land Rover modelled was used to transport troops into the hills, so they could hunt out EOKA hideouts on foot, and for general transport duties. The ‘69’ in white on a maroon square was the Battalion’s identification mark, although their vehicles also carried the Suffolks’ Regimental Badge: a castle and key bearing the motto, ‘Montis Insignia Calpe’ – The Arms of the Rock of Gibraltar; an 18th Century Battle Honour.
Vital statistics:
Engine capacity: 1595cc
Power: 50bhp@4000rpm
Maximum speed: 55mph
Payload: 1000lb
