Cyprus: National Guard

Last modified: 2002-10-12 by ivan sache
Keywords: national guard | eagle: double-headed (black) |
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by Jaume Ollé

• Description of the flag

See also:

• Cyprus
• Greece

Description of the flag

An original image of the flag of Cyprus National Guard was provided from Cyprus to me by Michel Lupant. His source is a photo from the National Guard Office.

Others flags are:

• Flag for the Army: blue flag with white cross and Saint George wuth dragon in center.
• Flag for the Navy: same but with anchor, cross and trident in center.
• Flag for the Air Force: same but with angel in center.
• Chief of the National Guard: red flag with four six pointed stars.
• Other ranks: 3, 2, 1 star.
• 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 26-2-1993 and says:
"I'm directed to refer to your letter dated (...) to attach herewith the photographs of:

• The flag of the National Guard; size 1,30 X1. 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 cm) 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, 27 July & 5 August1999

I'm 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