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chrisballance · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Mar 16, 2010 Posts: 31

I found an old post on missing-lynx regarding 32 T-34-85's used by the Greek Cypriot National Guard during the 1974 war, and I was wondering how did these T-34's end up in Cyprus? Were they supplied by British, maybe captured Egyptian vehicles from Suez Crisis? Or did they come direct from Eastern Europe or an Arab state?

Regards, Chris.

Here is the old ML thread in question:

www.network54.com/Foru...ttila+1974

Maple_Leaf_Eh · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 24, 2006 Posts: 517

My enemy's enemy is my friend. Or, money talks.

I did a professional development study on the UN intervention in Cyprus, so this is not unfamiliar ground. The Turks might have been Israel's ally, and the Israelis would have had ex-Egyptian foundlings for next to nothing. Yes, these two were friends until recently, but I don't remember my 1970's geopolitical map. I doubt the Soviets wanted to be anywhere near a spat between NATO client states - just too many ripples in the Med' so close to home. I'd think Arab countries first, then anyone else.

Costas_TT · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 15, 2012 Posts: 387

One source mentions them as having been bought from Yugoslavia. However, the more likely scenario is that they were bought from Russia and delivered via Egypt.

Patrik

Yes T-34/85 were purchased in Yugoslavia. And they were made in Czechoslovakia.

modelforum.cz/download...&mode=view

Costas_TT · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 15, 2012 Posts: 387

They were most definitely not made in Czechoslovakia, as they lack numerous features of Czech-built T-34s. Plus, the turret castings are too rough on most of them and at least one had the Kharkov turret with the split mushroom vents. Photographic evidence indicates that they were from various production batches from different factories.

recceboy

I was on the Island twice and the only ones that I had seen were on the Turkish side and they were very rough cast type turrets, and they were used in overwatch dug in positions when I was there.

Anthony

chrisballance · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Mar 16, 2010 Posts: 31

Thanks Costas, Patrik and MLE,

I was able find a copy of Steve Zaloga's old T-34-85 Osprey booklet and in passing he states that the vehicles were supplied by Yugoslavia. Don't know how much that's worth, but I guess Yugoslavia would be a good source for T-34's built from a variety of plants.

If these vehicles were supplied by Tito did they have the same light green paint job as JNA T-34s?

Costas_TT · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 15, 2012 Posts: 387

No, as delivered they were in standard dark green.

Patrik

The picture I added. Russian tanks have a war tower, but the hull is Czechoslovakia. Are refurbished tanks.

We discussed this in our forum.
modelforum.cz/viewtopi...start=2505
modelforum.cz/viewtopi...9#p1105279

Costas_TT · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 15, 2012 Posts: 387

I'm still not convinced. I've examined every single photo of CNG T-34 I have in my hard drive and not one of them shows any recognizable Czech features like the infantry signaling button or lights on the hull. Besides, don't view the purchase of the tanks by the CNG singularly, but as part of an arms package. At the same time they got BS-3 field guns, AT-S tractors BTR-152 APCs and other items. Besides, a recently published book on CNG armor does not mention anything about where the tanks were built.

chrisballance · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Mar 16, 2010 Posts: 31

HI Costas,

Is this the book on CNG Armor you referenced?

www.doureios.com/Books...yprus.html

Costas_TT · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 15, 2012 Posts: 387

Yes. It's pretty comprehensive.

chrisballance · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Mar 16, 2010 Posts: 31

Thanks, I will try to order a copy of the book, its now listed at 12 Euros. I picked up a DML T-34-85 that I want to build while I finish painting another project. I will make a go at a CNG vehicle, now that I have some photos. I think you linked to a company that makes the Greek decals I need in a old post not too long back.

Regards,

Chris.

Costas_TT · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 15, 2012 Posts: 387

I did mention the company, but they don't make decals for T-34s - yet.
But if you need any clarifications on stuff from the book, I'll be happy to help.

L.Delsing · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 10, 2006 Posts: 960

Are there, beside the two n Kyrenia, any in use as gateguard or in museums?

Regards,
Lesley

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