From Mgarr Harbour by sea and by road from Sicily, a block of Gozo stone is now standing in the grounds of All Hallows Church by the Tower of London.
It stands some three metres high and on each of its four sides is a plaque setting out part of the story of the sacrifice of some 7,000 Maltese men and women and Commonwealth and Allied servicemen and women who lost their lives in defence, of Malta.
It was at noon last Monday in brilliant sunshine and with the London traffic as a background - that President Edward Fenech Adami laid the first wreath at the foot of the newly-erected monument.
Dr Fenech Adami had previously attended a service of thanksgiving to commemorate those who served and died during the Siege of Malta between 1940 and 1943.
The church was packed with some 500 invited guests from the Royal Navy, RAF, Army, and Merchant Navy; and representatives of the US Navy and other wartime allies who had connections with the Malta Siege.
Members of the congregation also inc1uded war veterans, the majority of whom are GCIA members. The Malta G.C. branch was represented by four of these veterans: Lt. Col A.L. Pace Bonello, MBE, Major S.J.A. Clews MBE, Capt. A. Sant Cassia, and Mr. Walter Sullivan.
After the touching service the congregation gathered outside around the monument and, on the arrival of the George Cross Island Association (GCIA) patron, the Duke of Edinburgh, President Fenech Adami made his dedication address recalling the bravery of the Maltese people and the Allied servicemen and women. He also pointed out that Malta was the most bombed country: during World War II.
Dr Fenech Adami led the wreath-laying ceremony and was followed by the Duke of Edinburgh, who laid a wreath on behalf of the UK armed forces. Wreaths were also laid by representatives of Commonwealth countries and the Allies. Lt Col Pace Bonello laid a wreath on behalf of the GCIA, including association president Censu Tabone and UK and Malta members.
Malta's High Commissioner in London and Mrs. Michael Refalo, and former High Commissioner George Bonello Du Puis were also present.
The idea to have a UK monument came from a GCIA member who felt that it would be fitting for a memorial to be erected in London as Valletta had its Memorial- the Siege Bell. An organising committee was set up under the chairmanship of the Hon. Tim Lewin, son of the late Admiral Lord Lewin, who had been GCIA president when the Siege Bell had been erected. in 1992. |
