Family Memories War

Summer in Malta

Sun 3 June

Trip to Armier Bay Swimming and lounge. Getting too hot for comfort. Almost burning sands. Back 6pm.

Tues 5 June

Lecture by Ministry of Labour official on re-settlement.

Sun 10 Jun

After two days back ache admitted to command Rest Centre (C.R.S.) and fly fever. Effects like a dose of the ‘flu, caused by infection from minute flies, able to penetrate mesh of mosquito nets. Very prevalent complaint. 3 days in C.R.S.

Wed 13 June

Out of C.R.S. Shopping in Valetta, shoes and sheets and then to Command Hall.

Thurs 14 June

Kings birthday celebration. Day off. German/Austrian prisoners in nearby compound. Austrians very clean and musical. Given jobs in canteen, a change from the rather careless and dirty Maltese cooks and servers.

Sat 16 June

To Valetta “Arundel Castle” in harbour. Demob. Groups 4-7 sailed off to England.

Fri 29 June

Office party for those being demobbed. Our office now very depleted of British personnel, who are less and less with more Maltese officers taking over.

Sat 7 July

To Valetta watched changing of the Guard. Regiments take it in turns to perform this duty. Even our humble Pay Corps take their turn. Looked around Magisterial Palace. ENSA show in evening.

Mon 9 July

Eclipse of the sun

Fri 13 July

Twelve privates three staff sergeants there last night in barracks before demob.

Tues 17 Jul

Watched water polo match at St. George’s Bay. Pitch marked out in the water. Fast returning to peace time activities.

Sun 29 Jul

Lido at St. George’s Bay officially opened. Boating for an hour. St St. Julian to see a fiesta walked down. Vines, prickly pear now in fruit also fields of tomatoes. Crowds at St. Julian’s church and sea front decorated. Burning brazier on roof of church. Statue of the Saint Julian carried in procession. People cheering and clapping as it passed by. Letting off  fireworks on the roof of the church as it entered. Two bands playing alternately. Sweets and ice cream on sale. Every one in best frocks, clean shirts etc. No side stalls. Back for 10.30 pm.

Wed 8 Aug

To Valetta. Saw a French boat go out bound for Toulon, carrying leave personnel.

Sat 11 Aug

Received letters from Char with news of confinement and birth of daughter. Fainted for the first time and hoped for the last time ever. Rested pm.

Mon 13 Aug

Very hot. Temperature 101 degrees New of VJ Day.

Wed 15 Aug

To Valetta Flags everywhere. Ships decorated with bunting. Listened to Deputy Governors speech from Palace balcony. (Dalrymple Hamilton) Command Hall for show. Fireworks and illuminations after the show. Back 11 pm.

Sat 18 Aug

Bought items of Maltese Lace.

Sun 26 Aug

Ptes Foden and Edwards on leave to U.K. Promise to call on wife and daughter and report back – and they did.

Tues 11 Sep

A Sgt Major and two staff sergeants promoted to officers. Groups 17/18 in embarkation for demobilisation.