Spring in Malta

Joke: Cow which ate a thistle with a bee in it. When bee woke up the cow was gone.

Wed 28 Feb

Four big ships in harbour Highland Monarch our ship from the convoy included.

Fri 2 Mar

Two of our R.A.P.C. returned from leave in England. Besieged by questioners. How did they get on? How did they find things? And similar questions.

Sun 11Mar

Walk around rocks at Rifle range, not used now due to complaints from local fishermen who had been subject to near misses.

Sat 17 Mar

Swim in afternoon St. Georges Bay. Everyone learning to swim and making it across the wide bay given a signed certificate from our Colonel.

Note All above in between days usual reading, letters, pictures, games and so forth.

Sat 31 Mar, Sun 1 Apr

Examining rock pools and collecting flowers for pressing. Swimming, wallowing in the sea at intervals but care needed because of sewerage pollution.

Tues 3 Apr

Cricket pm match v Sergeants of Pembroke Area. Scored 29 not out. (Other cricket matches were played during the spring and summer).

Wed 11 Apr

To Valetta. By bus to Rabat. Allied Malta Industries Ltd. Saw home-spun fabrics, lace etc. No purchase made. Back by bus to Valetta.

Tues 17 Apr

Cricket match. No grass Coconut matting for pitch with concrete ground usually a parade ground except Officer’s ground where real grass is to be found.

Sat 21 Apr

Watched shipping including air craft carrier “Venerable”.

Sun 23 Apr

To Anglican Cathedral in Valetta where Dr Garbett Archbishop of York preached a very ordinary sermon. The local R.C.s were celebrating the Feast of St. Publicus with procession in the streets. Went to St. Johns Co. Cathedral.

Fri 4 May

Battleships “Anson” and “Duke of York” in the Harbour.

Sat 5 May

To San Anton Gdns. A flower show in progress.