March 14, 2018 2.50 pm This story is over 72 months old

Lincoln soldier prepares for UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus

He’ll also have the opportunity to take part in ‘adventure training’.
Corporal Kieran Marshall is preparing to deploy to Cyprus for a peacekeeping mission.

Corporal Kieran Marshall is preparing to deploy to Cyprus for a six-month tour of duty as a UN peace-keeper.

The solider from Welton, who previously attended William Farr School, is among the 285 members of The Royal Lancers, who are heading to Cyprus in April to patrol the 180km buffer zone also known as the “Green Line”.

The “Green Line” has divided the Turkish north and the Greek south for over 40 years and the British soldiers will be responsible for the central part of the buffer zone, known as Sector 2, covering the city of Nicosia.

Royal Lancers Blue Beret Parade.

The troops recently completed their training, which was overseen by members of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards who are currently deployed on the island.

The soldiers will patrol by vehicle, foot or mountain bike, working to maintain the peace and stability and performing an important liaison role with local people and authorities.

Royal Lancers delivering first aid.

Kieran said: “I’ve spoken to friends who have been out on Op TOSCA and I’ve also done my own research. I’m really looking forward to it.

“Normally we’d be training on Salisbury Plain and then going to BATUS in Canada to practise our core role of formation reconnaissance so it’s a nice change to be doing something we haven’t done before.”

During deployment the soldiers will have the opportunity to take part in adventure training, with Kieran keen on scuba diving and he added: “I’m quite sporty and I’ll take part in anything. I’ve heard diving is on offer and I’ve never tried that before so I’d like to give it a go.”