Royal Air Forces Association MALTA GC Branch

10/05/2026

On the morning of Saturday, 2nd May 2026, in Floriana, the Royal Air Forces Association Malta GC Branch had the profound honour of welcoming Distinguished High Commissioners, esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of Malta’s Veterans Associations, visiting associations, representatives from the Armed Forces of Malta, and many, many honoured guests. Together, we gathered in a spirit of remembrance to mark the seventy‑second anniversary of the Malta Memorial.

The Malta War Memorial stands as a solemn sentinel to 2,298 Commonwealth airmen who lost their lives in the Second World War in and around the Mediterranean and who have No Known Grave. Also known as the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial, it remains a place where sacrifice is not only remembered, but deeply felt.

The atmosphere was one of quiet emotion.
As we stood before the memorial, a shared stillness settled over us a silence filled with respect, sorrow, and gratitude. The bronze panels encircling the base bear the names of airmen whose stories of courage reach far beyond the stone. Above them rises the column, set upon a circular marble foundation inscribed with the enduring motto of the Royal Air Force and of so many Commonwealth Air Forces. "Per Ardua Ad Astra".

Each name represents a life of extraordinary bravery.
Men who served far from home, who faced dangers beyond imagination, and who gave everything so that future generations might live in peace. Their sacrifice is inscribed not only in bronze and marble, but in the heart of our collective memory. Their legacy lives on in the gratitude we carry — quietly, sincerely, and together.

As the service entered its most solemn moments, the atmosphere deepened into one of profound reverence. The commemoration was led with grace and dignity by:

• The Reverend Canon David Wright, Chancellor at St Paul’s Pro‑Cathedral, Valletta

• Fr Joe Meli, Captain, Head Chaplain, Headquarters AFM Chaplaincy

• Fr Sergio Fenech, Lieutenant, Headquarters AFM Chaplaincy

To these gentlemen, we extend our heartfelt thanks for their service.

And to all who joined us — Thank You.

Your presence ensured that these brave airmen are remembered with the honour they deserve, and that their stories continue to be carried forward with respect, gratitude, and heartfelt remembrance.

Mrs Victoria Busby OBE British High Commissioner to the Republic of Malta

Sqn Ldr (Retd) Mark Micallef-Eynaud, Hon President, Royal Air Forces Association Malta GC Branch.

Mr. Matthew Skelly, High Commissioner of Australian to he Republic of Malta

Lt Col Nicholas Grech, Officer Commanding Air Wing, Armed Forces of Malta.

Senior Master Sergeant Andrew Grolemund, United States Air Force. On behalf of the U.S. Embassy Malta.

Ms E Zerafa, for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Malta.

Mr Peter Gauci, Chairman, Royal British Legion Malta GC Branch.

Mr Charles Galea, President, Royal Navy Association Malta GC Branch.

Mr James Gardiner, Royal Air Forces Association Armourers Branch No 1366 United Kingdom.

Mr Peter Robinson MBE, Chairman, George Cross Island Association Malta GC Branch.

Mr Saviour Azzopardi, Chairman, GLARAC Association Malta GC Branch.

Mr & Mrs N & S Bailey. United Kingdom.

Per Ardua Ad Astra.

20/02/2026

Żurrieq Memorial Service – Wednesday, 18th February 2026,

19/02/2026

Żurrieq Memorial Service – Wednesday, 18th February 2026, Il‑Ġibjun Gardens, Żurrieq.

Commemoration of the Żurrieq Air Crash – 18th February 1956.

On 18th February 1956, an Avro York aircraft carrying British servicemen returning home from Suez crashed shortly after take‑off from Luqa, claiming the lives of all 50 people on board. It remains the worst aviation tragedy in Malta’s history.

Seventy years later, on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, the fifty victims of the Żurrieq air crash were honored during a moving memorial service held at Il‑Ġibjun Gardens, Żurrieq.

The aircraft, a Scottish Airlines Avro York (G‑ANSY), crashed soon after take‑off from Luqa, killing all those on board. The victims included five Scottish Airlines crew members, forty‑four Royal Air Force personnel, and one member of the British Army. Twelve of the servicemen had secured their seats through a “lucky draw” at their Suez station—a detail that lends an especially poignant note to this tragedy.

The bodies of the co‑pilot, navigator, radio officer, and air hostess were repatriated to the United Kingdom. The Captain, at the request of his family, was laid to rest at Mtarfa Military Cemetery.
Among those remembered was Navigator Reginald Beechey. Although he is buried in the United Kingdom, his daughter Susan (now Edwards) and her husband Tony attended the service to pay their respects to the forty‑five passengers and the crew of this ill‑fated flight.

The Service of Remembrance was solemnly officiated by The Reverend Canon D. Wright together with Archpriest Father Daniel Cardona.

The Exhortation was delivered with dignity by Mr. Stephen McCarthy, Chairperson of the RAFA Malta GC Branch.
Also in attendance were the Mayor of Żurrieq, Ms Rita Grima, who delivered a profoundly moving and dignified address, her heartfelt words imparting a solemn resonance to the occasion; the Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr Tristan Gilchrist; Mr Mark Micallef Eynaud, President of the Royal Air Forces Association Malta GC Branch; Mr Derick Blow of the RAFA Malta GC Branch; and Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Grech, Commanding Officer of the Air Wing, MQR AFM, accompanied by Gunner Camilleri Anthea.

Many local residents , among them individuals who had borne witness to the tragic events of 18th February 1956, assembled in solemn remembrance, paying their respects with deep reverence and quiet dignity.

Seventy years on, we honour their memory and the families whose lives were forever changed.

Their sacrifice is remembered.
Their loss is not forgotten.

The Royal Air Forces Association Malta GC Branch sincerely thanks John Visanich for providing the photographs.

14/02/2026

12/02/2026

21/01/2026

💖 Save the Date – Valentine's day Gala Dinner & Dance 💖
The Royal British Legion Malta Branch is delighted to announce a Valentine's day Gala Dinner & Dance, taking place on Saturday, 14th February, at the beautiful AX The Palace Hotel, Sliema.
Join them for an unforgettable evening of fine dining, music, dancing, and great company as we celebrate the spirit of love and friendship in style.
For now, mark your calendars and keep an eye out for updates.
We look forward to welcoming you to a magical night:

Booking Form:
https://forms.fillout.com/t/f9r2opZzwWus

24/12/2025

11/11/2025