Fusilier Walter Vivian Uphill 1 RWF - 5th October 1958

[Bob Bacon]

[img2=left]http://rwf-forum.co.uk//vBulletin/images/misc/poppy.jpg[/img2][img2=right]http://www.rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin//images/miscpix/UPHILL.jpg[/img2]On Sunday, 5th October 1958 a motor patrol of B Company, commanded by Sgt AR Trimble, was ambushed between Kakopetria and Platres near the village of Amiandos by a party of EOKA men located in the roof of a house.

Fus R Sanders, who was in the leading vehicle, ordered the driver to stop and he [Sanders] immediately returned fire with coolness and accuracy and drove off the attackers. By stopping his vehicle in the ambush position he unquestionably saved a number of casualties in the second vehicle". Sadly, during this encounter, Fus Walter Vivian Uphill who was travelling in a soft skinned vehicle was tragically killed. (Also wounded in the attack were Sgt KM Hall, Cpl Morgan, Cpl Todd and Fus Parry.)

Immediately after repulsing the attack, Fusilier Sanders who by now was down to his last two mags of Bren ammo, made his way to a RM outpost for help. He returned to the scene with Sjt Griffiths 70, and secured the area.


After a search by Police and Special Branch, four unexploded bombs were destroyed and seventeen Greek Cypriots were arrested.

As a result of his actions and a further incident a short time later, Fusilier Sanders was awarded the Military Medal. He now lives in South Wales and is a member of the Bridgend Branch of the RWF Comrades Association.

Walter Uphill who was originally from Ely, Cardiff is buried in Waynes Keep Cemetery Plot 25, Row B, Grave 19. His brother Albert was also a member of the 1st Bn, he joined after Cyprus.

As Cyprus is now divided access to Waynes Keep is strictly controlled and visits should be arranged through the following:

The Waynes Keep SNCO,
HQ BRITCON
UNFICYP
BFPO 567.

Sources: RWF Regimental Records Vol VI
Roll of Honour http://www.roll-of-honour.com/
1 R Welsh(Picture)

[Bob Bacon]

PSA pictures taken of 3 R WELSH Commanding Officer, Lt Col JW Cleverly, WO2 (RQMS) Mike Donnelly and WO1 (RSM) Vic Hughes, laying a wreath at the grave of Fus Uphill.

Fus Uphill is laid to rest in Wayne’s Keep, Cyprus. The three people above carried out a short service there on Mon 13 Aug 12 prior to the CO laying a wreath on behalf of All ranks 3 R WELSH and myself on behalf of former members of the RWF.

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