In advance of National Peacekeepers’ Day, the War Museum is screening the story of Canada’s longest peacekeeping mission: Operation SNOWGOOSE.

On July 15, 1974, Cyprus was thrown into chaos following a Greek-backed coup, triggering a Turkish invasion of the Mediterranean island five days later. At the time, 450 members of the Canadian Airborne Regiment — officially known as 1 Commando Group — were already on the island as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

Cyprus was on the verge of political and economic collapse when Turkey invaded. Instead of withdrawing, however, Canada reinforced its small military contingent. Caught in the crossfire, Canadian soldiers stood their ground, protected civilians, and were hailed in the international press as saviours of the capital city of Nicosia.

Don’t miss the exciting story of the Canadian Airborne Regiment’s heroic actions during Turkey’s 1974 invasion of Cyprus, and the key role they played in a peacekeeping mission that endures to this day.

The documentary will be followed by a short Q&A with Cyprus veterans.