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Cyprus: National Guard

Last modified: 2012-06-23 by ivan sache
Keywords: national guard | eagle: double-headed (black) |
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Flag of the Cyprus National Guard - Image by Jaume Ollé, 5 August 1999

See also:

Flag of the Cyprus National Guard

An original image of the flag of the Cyprus National Guard was provided from Cyprus to me by Michel Lupant. His source is a photo from the National Guard Office.
The other flags shown on the photo are:

  • The flag of the Army: a blue flag with a white cross and Saint George slaying the dragon in center (photo).
  • The flag of the Navy: the same flag but with an anchor, cross and trident in center.
  • The flag of the Air Force: the same flag but with an angel in center.
  • The flag of the Chief of the National Guard: a red flag with four six-pointed stars.
  • Other rank flags: with 3, 2, 1 star(s).
  • The customs flag (see Vexillinfo [vxf] # 125)

M. Lupant has a letter from Mr. G. Theophanides, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense. The letter is dated 26 February 1993 and says:

I am directed to refer to your letter dated (...) to attach herewith the photographs of:

  • The flag of the National Guard; size 1.30 m x 1 m. It has been in use since the establishment of the National Guard in 1964; Symbolism: the double-headed eagle symbolizes the Christian Orthodox religion and the universal Hellenic spirit. It was initially used during the Byzantine times as a symbol of authority and power...
  • (same for others flags)

About the rank flags it is said that a car flag (0.25 x 0.20 m) has been in use since 1964; the red background is the color of the land forces to which the present chief of the National Guard belongs. The number of white stars indicates his rank.

Jaume Ollé, 5 August 1999

I am not sure about a flag for the Cypriot National Guard, but the other flags described are:

  • Greek war flag
  • Greek Navy war flag
  • Greek Air Force war flag
  • Flag for a chief of Staff in the Greek army (four stars), lieutenant general, Greek army (three stars), major general, Greek army (two stars) and brigadier, Greek army (one star).

I suppose they are the same for the Cypriot National Guard which is modelled on the Greek army.

Yannis Natsinas, 29 July 1999