All Hallows Service - 2026

The George Cross Island Association annual service and wreath laying at All Hallows by the Tower, took place on the 15th August, 2026.  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, toegether with those services that supported the convoy on its journey from the UK to Malta.

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 Association Chaplain,The Reverend Jennifer Midgley-Adam.

We were honoured that Nerissa Sultana of the Malta High Commision in London represented His Excellency Malta High Commissioner, Prof Stephen Montefort, at this year's ceremony. She delivered a very heartfelt and poignant address during the service.

Reverend Midgley-Adam opened the service with prayers and the Association Chairman, Ray Wrigglesworth, then gave an opening address, and the Association Prayer followed, read by Mr Michael Gaw. Pat Scott, Association Secretary, read Psalm 23.

We were honoured that Rob White of Maritime Films gave a very interesting tribute. Rob has 30 years broadcast experience, in national news, factual and documentary. He has won four awards.  He was also involved in the production of the Maritime Foundation Memorial Book

Maritime Foundation Memorial BookOver the centuries, many people who have lost their lives at sea - whether during peacetime or in war, whether in ships, aircraft or shoreline tragedies - have often had no grave or permanent memorial of their passing. The Memorial Book for those Lost at Sea with No Known Grave was established by the Maritime Foundation in 1987 to provide a focus of remembrance for relatives and friends. The Memorial Book, which is kept at All Hallows by the Tower.  It records the names and, where possible, the circumstances of the deaths of people lost at sea with no known grave, irrespective of creed or nationality.

Malta Branch Chairman, Mr Peter Robinson, MBE gave a homage to the events that took place in Malta during World War II and also introduced the composition entitled The Santa Marija Convoy by Alfred Reale a former member of the Armed Forces of Malta. We were permitted to play this composition at the beginning of the Wreath laying ceremony.

Members of the Merchant Navy were represented and also the Malta Culture Movement.

Whilst the opening hymn was played by organist, David Cook, the parade of Standards, followed by a contingent of London Sea Cadets, marched proudly down the aisle, preceded by our Association Chairman, Ray Wrigglesworth, who carried in the Book of Rolls which was presented to Reverend Midgley-Adam. The National Standard, carried by GCIA Standard Bearer, Edward Barkway was also presented to Reverend Midgley-Adam, who laid them on the altar.

During the retiring hymn, the Book of Rolls was returned to the Chairman and the GCIA Standard was returned to our Standard Bearers. Edward Barkway 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. The Exhortation was said by the Chairman and in Maltese by Col David Vassallo (rtd).  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. Mrs Patricia Vassallo read a prayer in Maltese and also in English. The wreath laying ceremony then took place, with Pat Scott reading out the names of the wreath layers – Ms Nerissa Sultana for the People of Malta, Ray Wrigglesworth for the George Cross Island Association, Peter Robinson for the Malta Branch of the GCIA, Michael Gaw for the Joint Forces; Roy Glencross and Anthony Downey each laid a wreath for the Merchant Navy Association, The Maltese Culture Movement on behalf of the Maltese community in the UK – Barbara Scerri, The Navarro Family for their endurance and strive in WW2 – Giovanni Navarro, completed the wreath laying.

David and Patricia Vassallo 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 accompanied by Parade Marshall John Bowers, inspected the Standards after which the Chairman gave a closing address and the Standard Bearers were dismissed.

This year we had a buffet served in the South Aisle of All Hallows and prepared by the Byward Restaurant, which was enjoyed by all. 

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, and of course the pitch perfect bugle accompaniment 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.