Malta Branch
Malta branch combines a balance of official and social events as well as upholding the objectives of the George Cross Island Association. They welcome new members who wish to share in keeping the history of Malta alive, particularly in the younger generation.
For more information about Malta Branch, complete a membership form from this site (Membership) or email Peter Robinson at gciamalta@gmail.com
The Malta branch Facebook page is well worth following as John Navarro posts some very interesting information and photos relating to historical and current day events. https://www.facebook.com/gciamaltabranch/
Below are a couple of samples of articles from John’s posts, and include reposts from the Armed Forces of Malta, Royal British Legion, Malta GC Branch, and the British High Commission, Valletta:
𝗪𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺.
Armed Forces of Malta and Malta Police Force Guard of Honour for the Remembrance Day 2023 Wreath Laying Ceremony.
British High Commissioner Cathy Ward attended Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna’s remembrance event at the Saluting Battery to mark Armistice Day - which signifies the end of First World War at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month on 11th November 1918. As part of the ceremony, a two-minute silence was held at 11:00 to remember those who gave their lives in conflict. High Commissioner Ward, other members of the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency George Vella and veterans representing various organisations in Malta laid wreaths as a sign of remembrance and respect.
Samples of some of the Historical Reports from Malta Branch - submitted by Malta branch.
Apostleship of the Sea
On the evening of 6th November, along with other service associations the Branch was invited by the Port Chaplain, Fr. Joe Borg,to participate in a service at ta’Liesse church to remember those who gave their lives during the two world wars, especially those who died during Operation Pedestal. A particular mention was made of Alan Shaw, the last
of the Ohio survivors who had passed away recently.
Guest of honour was Commander Mark Varner, R.N, who was representing the British High Commissioner.
The Branch Chairman, Peter Robinson and his wife Mary attended with several members and the Chairman had the honour of delivering the Exhortation. Liam Barlow paraded the Branch Standard
Remembrance Day - 2019
As always the Branch participated in the Remembrance Day Service at St. John’s Cathedral and they wreath laying at the Floriana War Memorial.
The standard was paraded by Liam Barlow and the Branch Chairman, Peter Robinson, laid a wreath on behalf of the Branch. The weather on the day was perfect with not a spot of rain in sight.
Remembrance ceremony in Malta - 2020
John C Navarro George Cross Island Association - Malta Branch
Members of the Malta Branch of the George Cross Island Association played a part in Remembrance Sunday and Armistice day events despite the much reduced numbers allowed to participate, due to pandemic restrictions. Branch Chairman Peter Robinson MBE and member Charles Taliana read the lessons in the service at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Branch Chairman, Peter Robinson and his wife Mary, were very honoured to be invited to the welcome reception for Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family when they were in Malta for CHOGM. It was a memorable evening not only because of whom they met but because it was the last time it really rained this winter. Fortunately they were all enclosed in a large plastic tent in the garden of the San Anton Palace looking out at it all.
The following day the Committee had been invited to attend a wreath laying by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall and to parade the Standard at the Kalkara Naval Cemetery. However, in view of the inclement weather being forecast to continue it was decided to cancel and transfer to the British High Commissioner’s Residence where we were fed and watered and introduced to the Duchess who went out of her way to speak to everyone at some length
Her Excellency the President, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca at San Anton Palace. Her Excellency continues her patronage of the Branch
Our Patron sharing a joke with Vice Chairman Lino Camilleri MBE
Written by Mr Peter Robinson MBE.
There are many really informative and interesting articles on the GCIA Malta Branch facebook page and it is regularly updated by its dedicated editor, John Navarro, please do support it if you can and use the link below and click “like” as well as enjoying the articles.
I really enjoy reading John’s posts and I am sure you would too.
https://www.facebook.com/gciamaltabranch/
August 15th, 2020 – Operation Pedestal/Santa Marija Convoy
Normally the Association commemorates this date in the UK with a ceremony at All Hallows by the Tower, but this year is had to be cancelled due to Covid 19, however, we all remembered the Pedestal veterans and the bravery of the people of Malta, in our own ways this year.
In Malta, there is normally a Santa Maria convoy remembrance, and although this year one was held in Valletta overlooking Grand Harbour, on the evening of the 14th August, organised by the RNA, it was been scaled down to just a few people, the RNA committee with their standard along with the RBL standard, The Malta Re-enactment group, 2 priests the British High Commissioner, H.E. Mr Stuart Gill OBE and our Malta Branch Chairman Peter Robinson MBE and his wife Mary. Peter, respectful of the environment, cast a red and white posy into the waters rather than a non-biodegradable wreath.
Malta Branch 2017 AGM and lunch:
Armistice day in the morning - Remembrance at the Saluting Battery
Branch Chairman, Peter Robinson and his wife Mary attended the Santa Maria Convoy commemoration held on the 11th August, 2017 at the Seafarers monument:
