All Hallows Service - 2024

The George Cross Island Association annual service and wreath laying at All Hallows by the Tower, took place on the 17th August, 2024.  It is a Service To Commemorate The Award Of The George Cross To Malta; to Honour And Remember All Who Lost Their Lives On Malta During World War II And Those Who Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice In The Santa Maria (Pedestal) Convoy In August 1942.

Our Service is of commemoration and remembrance which is followed by a Wreath Laying ceremony at the Malta Siege Memorial. This year it was conducted by The Reverend Jennifer Midgley-Adam

We were honoured that Nerissa Sultana, Senior Public Affairs Executive for the High Commission Of The Republic Of Malta, represented His Excellency, Emmanuel Mallia, Malta High Commissioner, at this year's ceremony. Ms Sultana delivered a very moving and personal address during the service, which included honouring her Grandfather, whose medals she wore with pride.

Francis Dickinson MBE , also gave an interesting address entitled Submarines in Malta in World War Two. In which he highlighted in particular the perils submarines operating within the Mediterranean experienced, amid the bombing of their Malta base. Also the bonds between the submariners and their Maltese friends and allies. He also mentioned a recent remembrance event for HMS Bedouin, which was sunk on 15th June, 1942.

The response, especially from the 9 Standard Bearers, was wonderfully uplifting. We were delighted to welcome, Malta Branch Chairman Mr Peter Robison MBE and also Malta committee member Maria Gatt along with several other Malta branch members – wonderful to have representation from our Malta branch.

Also well represented were members of the Merchant Navy and the Malta Culture Movement.

Whilst the opening hymn was played by organist, David Cook, the parade of 9 Standards, marched proudly down the aisle, preceded by our Association Chairman, Ray Wrigglesworth, who carried in the Book of Rolls which was presented to Reverend Midgely-Adam and the National Standard, carried by GCIA Standard Bearer, Edward Barkway, which the Reverend Midgley-Adam laid on the altar.

Reverend Midgley-Adam opened the service with prayers which was followed by a Welcome Address by our Association Chairman, Ray Wrigglesworth.  Michael Gaw said the GCIA prayer. The reading was read by the Association Secretary, Pat Scott.  Following the Addresses the service continued with prayers from Reverend Midgley-Adam and further hymns.  During the retiring hymn, the Book of Rolls was returned to the Chairman and the GCIA Standard returned to our Standard Bearer, Edward Barkway who led the Parade outside and where the Parade Marshall, John Bowers, readied a Guard of Honour at the Church door.

The ceremony outside beside the George Cross Island London Memorial, was conducted by Reverend Midgley-Adam. Maria Gatt said the opening prayer in Maltese with Reverend Midgley-Adam giving the Blessing and the Act of Remembrance.  The Exhortation was said by the Chairman and in Maltese by Maria Gatt.  Our GCIA member, Terry Hissey, played the Last Post on his bugle whilst the Standards dipped, then, following one minutes silence, Terry played the Reveille as the Standards were raised.  The Chairman followed this by saying the Kohima Epitaph. The wreath laying ceremony then took place, with Lindsay Thacker reading out the names of the wreath layers – Ms Sultana for the People of Malta, Ray Wrigglesworth for the George Cross Island Association, Peter Robinson for the Malta Branch of the GCIA, Francis Dickinson for the Royal Navy, Michael Gaw for the Royal Air Force, Susan Hudson for the Army and Ron Quested, accompanied by Tony Downey, for the Merchant Navy Association, Mr Malcolm Gibbons on behalf of RBL Downs Branch and Mrs Jennie Gibbons on behalf of The Friends of The Burma Star Association (formally the Dover & Deal Branch).The wreath layers were accompanied by Janet Barkway. Maria Gatt led the singing of the Maltese National Anthem with all our Maltese friends joining in and singing at the top of their voices, and then we all sang the British National Anthem, God save the King.  The Chairman, Ms Sultana and Malta Branch Chairman, Peter Robinson accompanied by Parade Marshall John Bowers, inspected the Standards after which the Chairman gave a closing address and the Standard Bearers were dismissed.

Once again, the wonderful London Cabbies took each and every one of us back to the Union Jack Club where we enjoyed a lovely 3-course lunch combined with convivial company.  We made a collection of just over £185 for the Taxi Charity For Military Veterans and we give our grateful thanks to Paul Davies and Derek Leone for organising the taxis.

We really did have a wonderful day, thanks to all the support we had from the clergy and staff at All Hallows by the Tower, The British Legion, The Merchant Navy, The Royal Navy Association, The City of London Sea Cadets, our Committee members and of course from all the members of the GCIA who came to support us.  We thank representatives of the Merchant Navy Association and the Malta Culture Movement and a very special thank you to all the Standard Bearers from the RBL, Merchant Navy and RNA.  We must also thank John Bowers for his role of Parade Marshall, his wife, Lesley for her role as official photographer, and of course the pitch perfect bugle accomplishment from Terry Hissey.  I do hope that I haven’t missed anyone from my list of thank yous.  It is a credit to everyone who attended that we had such a wonderfully successful day.