PRIOR to 1972 (the Turkish invasion) the Black Watch decided to hold an anti-terrorist operation in Cyprus as all the real terrorists, EOKA, were dead or went to ground, and my section were chosen to be the terrorists!

They dressed us up with silly bandanas etc, we might well have just worn red Santa Claus suits!

We were to go to the top of one of the mountains and had to be overrun.

The second stupid thing they forgot was to bring the supply of salt tablets. Approximately 450 men dropped with heat exhaustion. The temperature was 92 degrees. We were on top of a mountain in a clearing trying to revive a man down when a helicopter landed.

A brigadier got out and said: "Who is in charge". I said "Me". He said: "Get that malingerer on his feet". I pointed my rifle and said to him: "Get back in your whirly bird and go away." These last two words were no the ones I used. He bolted!

Later he couldn't identify me as at the time we were in disguise apparently the attacking soldiers were to be led by the pipe band. Third stupid thing, anyone can tell you that pipe bands are not cut out for forest or mountain warfare.

We could hear them quarter of a mile away cursing as they came up through the trees. If we were real terrorists with real bullets we could have shot them all.

But we were expected to roll over and play dead.

Later we were put on baggage detail at Akrotiri Airport as punishment for 'herlicopter man'. We found his luggage and went it to the Outer Hebrides!

After we did this these two guys came along. White shirts, black glasses and trousers and shoulder holsters.

At one time Famagusta was like Tombstone Arizona, everyone and their dog had guns! Only thing missing was Wyat Earp and the OK Corral.

The biggest of the two said: "What are you guys doing?" As NCO I said 'none of your concern'. He said: "We are the CIA". I told him you have no jurisdiction here. He pointed his gun and said: "This has". We pointed our rifles and I said: "Our's is bigger". The rifles were empty but they did not know this.

The big guy said: "Why don't we put our guns down and sort out jurisdiction". It was music to my ears.

When the military police arrived I was standing over big Texas. We were all promptly arrested, these too as well.

The next morning we were released without charge and told to keep our mouths shut or get done under the Official Secrets Act, which of course is now time expired.

I now believe the CIA were their to lay the groundwork for the Turkish invasion. The British, America, UN all stood by and did nothing when it happened.

They must have all colluded (for a few air buses?)

The British Army had their own OK Corrals, 371 of our boys are buried there, for what?

BILL BISHOP,

Ballingry.