Cyprus: National Guard

Last modified: 2005-01-22 by ivan sache
Keywords: national guard | eagle: double-headed (black) |
Links: FOTW homepage | search | disclaimer and copyright | write us | mirrors

by Jaume Ollé

• Flag of the Cyprus National Guard

See also:

• Cyprus
• Greece

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.

Others flags are:

• Flag for the Army: blue flag with a white cross and Saint George slaying the dragon in center.
• Flag for the Navy: same flag but with an anchor, cross and trident in center.
• Flag for the Air Force: same flag but with an angel in center.
• Chief of the National Guard: red flag with four six-pointed stars.
• Other ranks: 3, 2, 1 star(s).
• 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 x 1. 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, 5 August 1999

Iam 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