Acting in the highest traditions of the Service
Our forthcoming Medals & Militaria auction includes a gallantry medal group and supporting ephemera relating to extraordinary acts of courage by RAF Flight Lieutenant Edward Costick while on duty as second Officer in Charge of Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Royal Air Force Akrotiri during the attack on Famagusta. Amongst the many hazardous tasks which Costick and his team undertook across the island during this dangerous time, two in particular demonstrate the incredible skill and bravery needed in this role.
The historic port district of Famagusta in Cyprus was briefly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its sunny beaches and archaeological sites made it a hotspot for celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Brigitte Bardot. However, this enviable geographical location was also its downfall when Turkish forces invaded the island in 1974, and the resort has been mostly abandoned ever since.
A fragile peace had been loosely held in Cyprus since independence from the British in 1960. However resentment had been steadily growing between the Greek and Turkish communities, both on the island and in their respective mainlands. In the summer of 1974, following a Greek junta-sponsored coup and failed peace negotiations, the Turkish Army invaded and advanced as far as the UN-patrolled demilitarised Green Line zone, which included the popular resort of Varosha in the Famagusta district. In fear of a massacre, the entire Greek Cypriot population were helped to evacuate by the nearby British military base just hours before the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Armies met in street combat.
Turkish air attacks and the lack of Cypriot expertise meant that Costick and his teams were kept busy during this period dealing with unexploded bombs. One of the incidents involved a large 750lb bomb, which had become embedded in mud beneath a church. With gunfire continuing around him, Costick managed to safely remove the fuse of the buried bomb by feel alone.
Conversely, a second 750lb bomb was up on the sixth floor of the Venus Beach Hotel – lying precariously across two beds, fused and in a highly dangerous state. Despite his long career in the RAF (having joined in 1945) and being fully trained in explosive ordnance disposal, Costick was unfamiliar with this type of fuse. Nevertheless, he used his skill and improvisation to calmly make the bomb safe for removal, preventing further damage and loss of life – not least his own.
With no time to rest, the team were then deployed to Nicosia International Airport to sweep for unexploded bombs. Further bombs, mortars and rockets were removed over the following week, often while surrounded by gunfire from the opposing Turkish Army and National Guard forces, before repair work could take place at the airport.
For his devotion to duty and incredible skill and cool manner in life-threatening conditions, Flight Lieutenant Costick was awarded the Queens Gallantry Medal, which is sold here alongside his General Service Medal with Malay Peninsula clasp, Long Service and Good Conduct medals, and miniatures. Further contents of the lot include a photograph album and related ephemera such as the Investiture invite letter on Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood headed paper and congratulatory letters from then under-secretary for defence John Brynmor on MOD headed paper, Air Marshal Sir John Aiken, and Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Andrew Humphrey.
Edward Harold Costick was made Squadron Leader in 1976 before retiring from the RAF in 1983. He settled in Norfolk, where he died in 2015.
The once-bustling Varosha resort suburb of Famagusta remained fenced off by Turkish forces and largely abandoned until 2020, when it was partially reopened, and some of the Greek Cypriots who fled in 1974 have been allowed to view the looted and decaying streets. The internationally unrecognised Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is currently aiming to rebuild and open hotels in the town.
This lot will be in our 5th December Medals, Militaria & Country Pursuits auction with an estimate of £2000-3000. View further details and images here.
