On return from Japan, the squadron briefly operated de Havilland Mosquitoes, converting pilots to the fighter bomber role. No. 14 Squadron re-equipped with sixteen de Havilland Vampire jets in 1952. It was based in Cyprus from 1952 to 1955 as part of RAF Middle East Air Force. There is a colourful account of Squadron Leader Max Hope, OC 14 Squadron, being cryptically told that the unit was being deployed to Cyprus by the Chief of the Air Staff via National Geographic Magazine, reported in Bentley's "RNZAF - A Short History". It is reported that the unit traveled within Europe and Africa, providing a flypast on Queen Elizabeth II's accession, and being in Kenya at the time of the Mau Mau action. "Flight", reporting the squadron's move to Singapore in its issue of 15 April 1955, said the squadron had visited many of the stations in the MEAF area. It had also gained a reputation for sports prowess: "..throughout its tour, its rugby team remained unbeaten." During its stay in Cyprus it was commanded by Squadron Leaders S.M. Hope and N.H. Bright.