The ceremonies may not have been on the same scale as those in London, but the centenary of the Royal Naval Reserve was celebrated in style in Cyprus.

While thousands took part in the parade and presentation of the Sovereign’s Colour at Horse Guards, the small contingent on the Mediterranean island numbered around 25 – but the sense of pride and the care taken to ensure a fitting event were no less than the British equivalent.

The event was staged outside the Princess Mary’s Hospital at RAF Akrotiri, and started with the forming-up of Royal Navy, Royal Marines and RNR Servicemen and women from HQ British Forces Cyprus, the Cyprus Squadron, and buglers and drummers of HM Royal Marines School of Music. There were also eight RNR medics deployed to the hospital on Operation Telic to help treat Coalition soldiers, sailors and airmen evacuated from the Gulf.

Once VIPs and spectators were gathered – including the Senior Naval Officer in Cyprus, Lt Cdr Nobby Hall – the ceremony began with the hoisting of the White Ensign and tribute was paid to the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and RNR.

Prayers were led by the padre of the on-island Cyprus branch of the RNA, Rev Neil Maxted, followed by an address from one of the Association’s eldest and most enthusiastic members, Cdr Charles Poynder RN (Rtd).

The ex-pat detailed the RNR’s long and distinguished history: “It was in World War II that the RNVR and RNR really came into their own, and there is no way the RN would have won the Battle of the Atlantic or anything else without them.

“By the end of the war two-thirds of the Navy’s 68,000 officers were Reservists, and an even higher percentage of ratings.

“Two thousand Reserve officers commanded HM ships – so there would have been a few unemployed in today’s Navy!”

Referring to events in London, Cdr Poynder said Cyprus “would not be outdone”, and that instead of a member of the Royal Family, they were lucky enough to have as a substitute “none other than Nobby Hall”.

There was a display by the Royal Marines Corps of Drums, followed by an order from Lt Cdr Hall to “splice the mainbrace”.

Festivities were rounded off by QARNNS Reserve Lt Heather Lentell – whose idea the Cyprus ceremony was – and Lt Cdr Hall cutting a commemorative cake baked by Episkopi-based military chefs.

Lt Lentell, whose civilian job is an intensive care nurse at a hospital in North Wales, was delighted with the parade, saying: “it is a very, very proud day.”

Lt Cdr Hall, who was a member of the RNR as a teenager, said: “I thought the celebrations out here went very well, considering there is such a small contingent.

“They punched well above their weight and made a big impression. Although not on the same scale as the parade in Horse Guards Parade, it certainly captured the same spirit.”