1959: Nearly 10,000 Cypriot sportsmen who surrendered their shotguns under emergency orders in January 1956 faced an unpleasant surprise. Inspections revealed that most of the firearms stored in Kyrenia Castle had rusted, with approximately four-fifths left unserviceable.
An expert had remarked, “Many of the guns might as well have been thrown into the sea to spare their owners the heartbreak of seeing their condition.”
The government had anticipated claims amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds, potentially reaching £500,000, as many firearms were family heirlooms or expensive items, some worth up to £200 each. Replacements had become significantly more costly due to rising global prices and higher import duties in Cyprus.
Owners were assured that their guns would be cared for and returned in good condition after the emergency. However, the reality proved vastly different, leaving many disheartened and the government facing substantial financial and emotional repercussions.