Churches used by British Forces for Marriages
Since 1800 there were always at least three thousand men of the British Army or Royal Navy stationed in Malta. Often many thousands more, and mostly they were young and unmarried, so it was inevitable that they would meet Maltese girls or the daughters of other British servicemen or residents.
Since the Maltese population is virtually 100 percent Roman Catholic there are a large number of churches so marriages when both parties were Roman Catholics were relatively straightforward.
Most of the British servicemen and women were from the Anglican tradition, either Church of England, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, etc. and during the 19th century the following churches were built and used by British residents and servicemen:
Methodist Church, Valletta, 1824 to 1844
Methodist Church, Floriana, 1883 to 1974
Barracca Chapel-School, Valletta 1856 to 1950
Presbyterian Church, Valletta 1844 to 1857
St. Andrew's Scots Church, Valletta 1857 to present day
St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral, Valletta 1844 to present day
Holy Trinity Church, Sliema 1867 to present day
These churches were used for marriages by British servicemen until the British Forces left Malta in 1979. In addition some churches were built in Army Barracks, at Royal Air Force stations, and in the Dockyard, and these are included in the first group of churches in this file. They are:
Barracca Chapel, Valletta
Our Lady of Graces, Sliema
St. Christopher's Church, Luqa Royal Air Force Station
St. Luke's Chapel, Bighi Royal Naval Hospital
St. Luke's Garrison Church, Tigne Barracks
St. Nicholas's Church, Hal Far Royal Naval Air Station
St. Oswald's Garrison Church, Imtarfa Barracks
Christ Church Garrison Church, Pembroke Barracks
A matter which was never satisfactorily resolved was that whilst Chaplains of the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force dealt with the spiritual needs of their men and often with their personal crises, they could not conduct marriages for them.
This caused some friction between the civil and military clergymen, and even after the Second World War when Chaplains did perform marriages, it was generally recorded that it was with the special permission of the Lord Bishop of Gibraltar and should not be taken as a precedent.
Other churches will be added over the coming months.
Several centuries ago on the Tigne promontory, which forms one side of Marsamxett harbour, there was a small Chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Good Voyage. According to legend sailors used to salute the Virgin with a Hail Mary, as they sailed out of the harbour, and is said to be the origin of the word ‘Sliema’.
The Chapel was badly damaged during the Great Siege of 1565 when the Tigne area was occupied by Turkish soldiers. However, in 1741 a second Chapel was built, which was well looked after and in regular use until the year 1798 when it was completely destroyed by Napoleon’s army of occupation.
After the expulsion of the French, by the Maltese and British forces in 1800, it was decided to build another Chapel but further inland not only for safety purposes, but also in a more convenient spot for the people of Sliema.
The Acts of the Curia contain a record that the English Civil Commissioner Sir Alexander Ball gave his consent that a plot of land could be donated by the owner Miss Giovanna Salvaloco to the cleric Salvatore Grungo for this purpose. He was the current Rector of the benefice. This took place on 25th April 1801 and the benefice was entitled ‘Santa Maria Ta’ Sliema sive del Buon Viaggio’.
By 1803 the Chapel of Our Lady of Graces was built, and it was there that the inhabitants of Sliema and the surrounding area used to gather for Mass for the next fifty years. The Priest would come down from Birkirkara to conduct the services.
The main painting in this Chapel, by an unknown artist, is thought to have come from the second Tigne Chapel where it hung above the altar. It represents the Holy Family and is a copy of a work of Gianfranco Penni. The original can be seen in the National Museum of Naples.
With the rapid increase in population of the Sliema area, a much larger place of worship was needed, which resulted in the building of the Stella Maris Church in 1853. The new church was opposite the old Chapel, which then became known as the ‘little church’, and for some time continued to be used for regular divine service, but it eventually closed. Two historic items were transferred to the Stella Maris Church, a pink chasuble donated by Grandmaster Pinto, and an iron key from the main door of the second Tigne Chapel.
Three men had been buried in the old Tigne Chapel, two priests, Don Michele Palma and Dun Tommasso Vassallo, both former Rectors, and Michele Pianta, a Maltese Knight of St. John, who was a benefactor of the Chapel. In 1856, under the supervision of the Birkirkara priest their remains were moved to the Our Lady of Graces Chapel, and a small marble slab set in the floor bears an inscription to their memory.
In the 1920’s a pious priest, Don Amadeo Bonello, took an interest in the old Chapel and had it renovated. He instituted the exposition of the Blessed Eucharist on Sundays, and on the first Friday of each month. His efforts encouraged a number of persons to leave legacies to cover the costs incurred in keeping the Chapel open.
After the Second World War when members of the British Forces who were Church of England wished to marry Maltese girls of the Stella Maris Parish who were Roman Catholics, they were given permission to marry in this small Chapel. Even so only a few marriages in fact took place, and are in the records of Stella Maris Church.
In recent years the tradition of the 'Last Supper' has been revived, and a table arranged with food and drink according to the old Jewish rites is laid out in the Chapel at Passover.
During the summer of 2007 when trenching work was carried out in the road in front of the Chapel it seems that the solid rock foundations were weakened and a large crack appeared in the wall and dome of the Chapel. Restoration work is now in progress.
Bighi Royal Naval Hospital
There were two chapels in the Royal Naval Hospital at Bighi, but only one was used for marriages by British servicemen and women.
A new Roman Catholic Chapel at Bighi Hospital was opened at the end of 1953. In December His Lordship Monsignor Emanuel Galea, Vicar General, accompanied by Major W.L. Bonello, Aide-de-Camp, and Fleet Surgeon Captain R.J.R. Andrews, Royal Navy, blessed the new Roman Catholic Chapel in Bighi Hospital. He was assisted by Father A. Borg O.E.S.A the Roman Catholic Chaplain at Bighi Hospital, and Father E. Glynn, the Senior Roman Catholic Chaplain, Royal Navy. The name chosen for the new chapel was ‘Our Lady of Good Counsel’.
Father Borg gave an address, then Bishop Galea blessed the altar and the chapel itself. The choir formed by ‘The Children of Mary’ of Birkirkara, then sang the Te Deum and a Hymn to Our Lady.
The altar in the chapel, had been previously used on the pre-war tourist ship s.s. Alcantara, whilst the tabernacle of rosewood was designed by draughtsman S. Attard of Cospicua, and made by joiners in H.M. Dockyard. The framework behind the altar was provided by Captain M.K. Cavenagh-Mainwaring, Royal Navy.
The crucifix hanging on the left-hand side of the chapel had formerly belonged to the Royal Naval Hospital at Alexandria, Egypt.
The beautiful new chapel, which was previously a wardroom annexe, was converted with the help of Surgeon Rear Admiral R.C. May, and hospital staff.
Among the distinguished gathering for this occasion were Surgeon Rear-Admiral R.C. May together with his wife, Surgeon Captain W.V. Beach, the Senior Medical Officer and Mrs. Beach, Surgeon Commander M.F. Sheehan, Captain and Mrs. Cavenagh-Mainwaring, Surgeon Lieutenant Patrick and his wife, plus clergy Fr. P. Spiteri O.E.S.A., Fr. J. Xuereb the Parish Priest of Kalkara, Fr. Prior M. Sammut O.E.S.A., and Fr. Rector J. Borg O.E.S.A.
Whilst the chapel was used by men of the Royal Navy and staff of the hospital, there are no records of any baptisms or marriages.
The other chapel was:
St. Luke’s Anglican Chapel - Bighi Hospital
St. Luke’s Chapel was closed when the Royal Navy Hospital at Bighi was transferred to Imtarfa.
Bighi Hospital was handed over to the Malta Government in September 1970, and the painting by Giuseppe Cali of ‘The Good Shepherd’ was donated by Surgeon Captain C.L.T. McClintock to the Parish Priest of Kalkara, Fr. Giuseppe Vella.
It is now hangs on the left hand wall of the Parish Church of St. Joseph. This painting dates from 1911.
The following marriages took place in this Chapel:
Peter Albert BARTLETT, aged 22 years, bachelor, Sick Berth Petty Officer, R.N. Hospital Bighi, the son of Sydney Joseph Bartlett, married 31st October 1953 to Elizabeth Marie EVANS, aged 26 years, spinster, V.A.D. (N.M.), R.N. Hospital Bighi, the daughter of William James Evans. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Geikie Falconer, Chaplain, R.N.
Jean BOTWRIGHT, aged 21 years, spinster, R.N. Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Samuel Botwright, R.N. retired, married 2nd June 1956 to Douglas DOWSE, aged 22 years, bachelor, Leading Sick Berth Attendant, R.N. Hospital Bighi, the son of Robert Dowse
Anthony Graham BRAND, aged 32 years, bachelor, Architect, Villa Marlborough, Ta Xbiex, the son of Joseph Henry Brand, married 6th October 1964 to Gillian SEWARD, aged 26 years, spinster, 196 St. Joseph Street, Senglea, daughter of Francis Albert Seward, Chief Officer Admiralty Constabulary. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend R.W. Pope, Chaplain, R.N.
Alice CHAMBERLAIN, aged 25 years, spinster, Supervisor VAD, R.N., Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Alfred Chamberlain, married 13th February 1954 to James Robert MASON, aged 23 years, bachelor, Band Sergeant, Royal Marines, HMS Phoenicia, the son of James Robert Mason. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Geikie Falconer, Chaplain, R.N.
Margaret Ann DAVEY, aged 19 years, spinster, Nurse, R.N. Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Harry Davey, married 24th December 1966 to Rodney HORNE, aged 21 years, bachelor, CA (W), Royal Navy, St. Edward Street, Vittoriosa, the son of Alfred Morley Horne. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend H.G.W. Macdonald, Chaplain, R.N.
Ada DENNISON, aged 27 years, spinster, Stenographer, Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Arthur John Dennison, married 30th July 1954 to Jack William Patrick GLOVER, aged 28 years, bachelor, Sergeant Fitter, Royal Australian Air Force, R.A.A.F. Ta Qali, the son of Patrick John Glover. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Ralph Sawford Dye
Noelita DOUEN, aged 23 years, spinster, State Registered Nurse, 10 School Street, Luqa, the daughter of Charles Douen, married 22nd September 1961 to Eugene Albert GILKES, aged 21 years, bachelor, Royal Air Force, Ta Kali, the son of Lewis Albert Benjamin Gilkes
John Alexander DOWNIE, aged 29 years, bachelor, Officer, Royal Navy, HMS Mediator, the son of George Alexander Downie, married 13th April 1964 to Pamela Carol PRESLAND, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of Roland Reginald Presland, Royal Air Force Officer
Douglas DOWSE, aged 22 years, bachelor, Leading Sick Berth Attendant, R.N. Hospital Bighi, the son of Robert Dowse, married 2nd June 1956 to Jean BOTWRIGHT, aged 21 years, spinster, R.N. Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Samuel Botwright, R.N. retired
David EARDLEY, aged 24 years, bachelor, Sick Berth Attendant, RN Hospital Bighi, the son of Domingo Eardley, married 31st July 1965 to Jean Margaret WILLSON, aged 20 years, spinster, Navy Nursing Aux., RN Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Lieutenant George William Willson, R.N.
Vivienne Barbara EMSLIE, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of Sub-Lieutenant Frederick Ashton Emslie, Royal Navy, married 2nd January 1965 to Peter David HOWELL-DAVIES, aged 21 years, bachelor, the son of Mervyn David Howell-Davies, R.N. officer retired. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend R.W. Pope, Chaplain, R.N.
Elizabeth Marie EVANS, aged 26 years, spinster, V.A.D. (N.M.), R.N. Hospital Bighi, the daughter of William James Evans married 31st October 1953 to Peter Albert BARTLETT, aged 22 years, bachelor, Sick Berth Petty Officer, R.N. Hospital Bighi, the son of Sydney Joseph Bartlett. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Geikie Falconer, Chaplain, R.N.
Kenneth FAULKNER, aged 22 years, bachelor, Sick Berth Attendant, Royal Navy, Royal Naval Hospital, the son of Samuel Faulkner, married 26th February 1955 to Jose FLETCHER, aged 20 years, spinster, Voluntary Auxiliary Detachment Nurse, Royal Naval Hospital, the daughter of John Henry Albert Fletcher. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Watson, Chaplain R.N.
Jose FLETCHER, aged 20 years, spinster, Voluntary Auxiliary Detachment Nurse, Royal Naval Hospital, the daughter of John Henry Albert Fletcher, married 26th February 1955 to Kenneth FAULKNER, aged 22 years, bachelor, Sick Berth Attendant, Royal Navy, Royal Naval Hospital, the son of Samuel Faulkner. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Watson, Chaplain R.N.
Blanche Sedgwick GEORGESON, aged 32 years, spinster, G.I. V.A.D., Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Richard Sedgwick Georgeson, married 5th June 1954 to James Ferguson McMILLAN, aged 22 years, bachelor, Leading Sick Berth Attendant, HMS St. Angelo, the son of Donald McMillan. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Geikie Falconer, Chaplain, R.N.
Eugene Albert GILKES, aged 21 years, bachelor, Royal Air Force, Ta Kali, the son of Lewis Albert Benjamin Gilkes, married 22nd September 1961 to Noelita DOUEN, aged 23 years, spinster, State Registered Nurse, 10 School Street, Luqa, the daughter of Charles Douen
Jack William Patrick GLOVER, aged 28 years, bachelor, Sergeant Fitter, Royal Australian Air Force, R.A.A.F. Ta Qali, the son of Patrick John Glover, married 30th July 1954 to Ada DENNISON, aged 27 years, spinster, Stenographer, Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Arthur John Dennison. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Ralph Sawford Dye
Molly Gwendoline HOLNESS, aged 21 years, spinster, G.I., V.A.D., R.N. Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Frederick William Holness, married 14th November 1953 to Stanley Arthur TUCKER, aged 20 years, bachelor, Leading Sick Berth Attendant, HMS Falcon, the son of Stanley Edward Tucker. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Geikie Falconer, Chaplain, R.N.
Rodney HORNE, aged 21 years, bachelor, CA (W), Royal Navy, St. Edward Street, Vittoriosa, the son of Alfred Morley Horne, married 24th December 1966 to Margaret Ann DAVEY, aged 19 years, spinster, Nurse, R.N. Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Harry Davey. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend H.G.W. Macdonald, Chaplain, R.N.
Peter David HOWELL-DAVIES, aged 21 years, bachelor, the son of Mervyn David Howell-Davies, R.N. officer retired, married 2nd January 1965 to Vivienne Barbara EMSLIE, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of Sub-Lieutenant Frederick Ashton Emslie, Royal Navy. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend R.W. Pope, Chaplain, R.N.
Mairi Dianne MACINTOSH, aged 26 years, spinster, Nurse, R.N. Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Ian Donald Macintosh, married 29th February 1964 to Anthony Peter TATE, aged 23 years, bachelor, Royal Navy, Royal Naval Hospital, Bighi, the son of Anthony Cyril Tate. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Stanton Jeans, Chaplain R.N.
James Ferguson McMILLAN, aged 22 years, bachelor, Leading Sick Berth Attendant, HMS St. Angelo, the son of Donald McMillan, married 5th June 1954 to Blanche Sedgwick GEORGESON, aged 32 years, spinster, G.I., V.A.D., Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Richard Sedgwick Georgeson. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Geikie Falconer, Chaplain, R.N.
Geoffrey MARSHALL, aged 22 years, bachelor, Sick Berth Attendant, Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, married 15th August 1964 to Valerie Mary SMITH, aged 22 years, spinster, Naval Nursing Auxiliary, Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Francis Vernon Smith, The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Stanton Jeans, Chaplain R.N.
James Robert MASON, aged 23 years, bachelor, Band Sergeant, Royal Marines, HMS Phoenicia, the son of James Robert Mason, married 13th February 1954 to Alice CHAMBERLAIN, aged 25 years, spinster, Supervisor VAD, R.N., Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Alfred Chamberlain. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Geikie Falconer, Chaplain, R.N.
Jane Elizabeth MINTER, aged 24 years, spinster, the daughter of Lawrence Albert Minter, married 12th June 1968 to Eric Walter STUART, aged 43 years, bachelor, the son of Walter Firth Stuart
Pamela Carol PRESLAND, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of Roland Reginald Presland, Royal Air Force Officer, married 13th April 1964 to John Alexander DOWNIE, aged 29 years, bachelor, Officer, Royal Navy, HMS Mediator, the son of George Alexander Downie
Gillian SEWARD, aged 26 years, spinster, 196 St. Joseph Street, Senglea, daughter of Francis Albert Seward, Chief Officer Admiralty Constabulary, married 6th October 1964 to Anthony Graham BRAND, aged 32 years, bachelor, Architect, Villa Marlborough, Ta Xbiex, son of Joseph Henry Brand. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend R.W. Pope, Chaplain, R.N.
Valerie Mary SMITH, aged 22 years, spinster, Naval Nursing Auxiliary, Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Francis Vernon Smith, married 15th August 1964 to Geoffrey MARSHALL, aged 22 years, bachelor, Sick Berth Attendant, Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Stanton Jeans, Chaplain R.N.
Eric Walter STUART, aged 43 years, bachelor, the son of Walter Firth Stuart, married 12th June 1968 to Jane Elizabeth MINTER, aged 24 years, spinster, the daughter of Lawrence Albert Minter
Anthony Peter TATE, aged 23 years, bachelor, Royal Navy, Royal Naval Hospital, Bighi, the son of Anthony Cyril Tate, married 29th February 1964 to Mairi Dianne MACINTOSH, aged 26 years, spinster, Nurse, R.N. Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Ian Donald Macintosh. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Stanton Jeans, Chaplain R.N.
Stanley Arthur TUCKER, aged 20 years, bachelor, Leading Sick Berth Attendant, HMS Falcon, the son of Stanley Edward Tucker, married 14th November 1953 to Molly Gwendoline HOLNESS, aged 21 years, spinster, G.I., V.A.D., R.N. Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Frederick William Holness. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend John Geikie Falconer, Chaplain, R.N.
Jean Margaret WILLSON, aged 20 years, spinster, Navy Nursing Aux., RN Hospital Bighi, the daughter of Lieutenant George William Willson, R.N., married 31st July 1965 to David EARDLEY, aged 24 years, bachelor, Sick Berth Attendant, RN Hospital Bighi, the son of Domingo Eardley
St. Christopher's Church
Luqa Royal Air Force Station
In October 1938 work began at Luqa to build an airport with the construction of concrete runways, to replace the grass landing field previously used. The first trial landing was made by Flight Lieutenant George Burges in June 1939.
On completion Luqa took over from Ta Kali as the civilian airport for Malta. With the commencement of World War II in September 1939, and the likelihood of Italy joining forces with Germany, Luqa became a Royal Air Force Station on 1st April 1940, and most of the civilian employees left.
Just over two months later on 10th June 1940 Italy did in fact enter the war as an ally of Germany. The first air raids by the Italian Regia Aeronautica against the island commenced, and the Siege of Malta began. During the toughest time in November 1942 the number of personnel at Luqa was 4,350 Airmen, 770 Soldiers and 600 civilians.
After the end of the Second World War little changed for the next couple of years, but in January 1948 an extensive building programme of the area known as the Domestic Site began with the erection of three-storey Barrack Blocks, Married Quarters for over eighty families, and an Airmen’s Mess. Later a large Astra Cinema, a R.A.F. School, a Resident Officer’s Mess, Officer’s Married Quarters, and two Churches were added. Enlargement continued into the 1960’s when an Education Centre containing a Library, Classrooms, Activity Room and Information Room was completed, and a new Gymnasium erected alongside.
It was decided to build a Station Church at the entrance to what was known as No.2 Site, or the Domestic Site. Work began during the second half of April 1954 and six weeks later on 1st June 1954 Air Marshal B.V. Reynolds, the Air Officer Commanding, Malta, laid the foundation stone. Present at this ceremony amongst the civil and military spectators were the Group Captain N.C. Odbert and his wife, the current Padre the Reverend Hugh Lorimer Octavius Rees, Mr. R.C. Bunker of A.M.D.W., and Mr. R. Mamo, Clerk of Works, R.A.F. Luqa.
Work progressed rapidly, and by Sunday 6th March 1955 the church was ready for use. On that day the Reverend Canon Alan S. Giles, Chaplain in Chief conducted the first service. The Church was intended for use by members of the Church of England and the Free Church. It was dedicated on 1st July 1955 and given the name St. Christopher’s.
The interior furnishings came from a variety of sources. The Holy Communion Table from the Royal Naval Dockyard Chapel, whilst the pews and choir stalls had been previously used in the Station Church at the Royal Air Force Base, Kasfareet, Egypt. The marble Font plus the mahogany and wrought iron Communion Rail from the Garrison Church at Upper Barracca Gardens, Valletta.
A Roman Catholic Church was also built on the Domestic Site, and given the title St. Mary’s. No records of any marriages being performed there have been located.
In 1959 at a special ceremony held in St. Christopher’s Church, the Royal Air Force ensign which had flown over the station during the Siege of Malta was handed back by Flight Lieutenant M.H. Thornburgh, R.A.F.V.R. With the reduction of the British presence on Malta being underway in May 1978 the ensign was taken to St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Valletta, and is still on display there.
The withdrawal of all the British Armed Forces from Malta was almost completed in March 1979 when the altar frontal from St. Christopher’s Church, Luqa, was presented to St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Valletta by Air Commodore H.D. Hall. Luqa officially closed as a Royal Air Force Station on 31st March 1979. The following day as HMS London sailed from Malta, so ending 180 years of association with the Royal Navy, Air Commodore Hall took off from Luqa and flew a lone Nimrod aircraft over Grand Harbour then set course for Gibraltar.
After the departure of the Royal Air Force, the base was divided between Air Malta, the International Airline, and the Armed Forces of Malta. St. Christopher’s was located in the area under the control of Air Malta, and became the Airport Chapel. The building was re-named as ‘Our Lady of the Airways’. In 1965 the Maltese Artist Emvin Cremona had produced a large oil painting, entitled ‘Our Lady of Aviation’, and this painting was placed behind the altar.
When the new International Airport buildings were opened in 1992, they incorporated an airport chapel, so the large painting was taken down. Two small copies were made; one was placed in church at Luqa, and the other in the new airport chapel. The large painting, measuring 245cms. x 123 cms. is now high up on the wall in the departure lounge close to where passengers ascend the escalator to Passport Control.
Air Malta no longer needed the land containing the church building at Luqa and it was handed over to the Armed Forces of Malta, and became part of Luqa Barracks. The Church was re-opened for Roman Catholic worship and re-named St. Mary’s.
The altar is from the Royal Air Force Station Church at Ta Kali. There are two wooden Memorial Tablets on the church walls. One carries a list of men from the 3rd LAA Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery, who died during the Second World War, and the other in memory of all ranks of the 1st Coast Regiment, 2nd HAA Regiment, 3rd LAA Regiment, 5th Coast Regiment and 8th Searchlight Battery, all Royal Malta Artillery, who died during the same conflict.
The large crucifix behind the altar was installed at Easter 2000. It is the work of Steven Farrugia, and was donated to the church by Carmelo Falzon, a former Sacristan, and Warrant Officer Francis Buhagiar.
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Marriages of British servicemen and women that took place at St. Christopher's include:
David William ALLEN, aged 25 years, bachelor, Technician, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of William Thomas Albert Allen, married 12th December 1971 to Linda Carol BAILEY, aged 21 years, spinster, Leading Aircraftswoman, Women's Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the daughter of Douglas Archibald Bailey. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Hartley Roger Watson, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Dennis Edward ALLEN, aged 22 years, bachelor, Junior Technician, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Edward Allen, married 24th May 1969 to Joan MARSH, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Henry Cuthbert Marsh. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Elaine AYRES, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Staff-Sergeant Leslie John Ayres, Royal Army Service Corps, married 27th July 1974 to David Alan PERCIVAL, aged 20 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, Airmen's Married Quarters Luqa, the son of Alan Percival. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Linda Carol BAILEY, aged 21 years, spinster, Leading Aircraftswoman, Women's Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the daughter of Douglas Archibald Bailey, married 12th December 1971 to David William ALLEN, aged 25 years, bachelor, Technician, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of William Thomas Albert Allen. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Hartley Roger Watson, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Janet Elaine Teresa BRENNAN, aged 18 years, spinster, 38 Airmen's Quarters Luqa, the daughter of Warrant Officer Peter William Joseph Brennan, R.A.F., married 21st May 1977 to Beverley Colin Walter HAWKINS, known as James Colin Hawkins, aged 23 years, bachelor, the son of Warrant Officer Colin John Hawkins, R.A.F.
Roger Albert BROWN, aged 24 years, bachelor, Flying Officer, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Denis Alfred Brown, married 14th August 1971 to Sharon JACOBS, aged 20 years, spinster, from Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, the daughter of John Jacobs. The marriage was performed by the Reverend John Ellerbeck Daimond, Royal Air Force Chaplain
John William BURKEY, aged 23 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Air Force Luqa, the son of Flight Lieutenant Alfred Harold Burkey, R.A.F., married 25th May 1963 to Elizabeth Alison CRISP, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Sidney James Crisp, R.A.F.
Brian Francis COLE, aged 28 years, bachelor, Flight Lieutenant, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Squadron Leader Francis Major Cole, R.A.F. retired, married 20th December 1973 to Elizabeth Brown FIDDES, aged 25 years, spinster, the daughter of Hector McQueen Fiddes. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Margaret Cassandra CRAIG, from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the daughter of Thomas Alexander Craig, married 5th May 1969 to Roy Frederick LOMAS, bachelor, Leading Aircraftsman, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Frederick Arthur Lomas. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Richard Jeffrey CRAMP, aged 22 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Squadron Leader James Cramp, R.A.F., married 14th February 1970 to Helen Edith LANGMAN, aged 20 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., Whitehall Mansions, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of Graham Westlake Langman. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Elizabeth Alison CRISP, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Sidney James Crisp, R.A.F., married 25th May 1963 to John William BURKEY, aged 23 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Air Force Luqa, the son of Flight Lieutenant Alfred Harold Burkey, R.A.F.
Elizabeth Brown FIDDES, aged 25 years, spinster, the daughter of Hector McQueen Fiddes, married 20th December 1973 to Brian Francis COLE, aged 28 years, bachelor, Flight Lieutenant, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Squadron Leader Francis Major Cole, R.A.F. retired. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
June Wilson Stewart FYFFE, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of James Young Fyffe, Air Traffic Controller, R.A.F., married 1st June 1974 to Phillip Kenneth GRIFFITHS, aged 22 years, bachelor, Junior Technician, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Dilwyn Kenneth Griffiths. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Ian Michael GOUGH, aged 22 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Wing Commander Vincent Aneurin Gough, R.A.F., married 15th December 1973 to Jacqueline Susan WALLS, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Chief Technician Eric Walls, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Pamela GRAHAM, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Archibald Graham, married 6th March 1965 to Robert Derek SINCLAIR, aged 24 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of John Sinclair. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Thomas Arthur Charles Packenham
Roger Martin GREEN, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Raymond Green, married 9th September 1969 to Maureen Daphne PARKE, spinster, from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the daughter of William Parke. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Phillip Kenneth GRIFFITHS, aged 22 years, bachelor, Junior Technician, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Dilwyn Kenneth Griffiths, married 1st June 1974 to June Wilson Stewart FYFFE, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of James Young Fyffe, Air Traffic Controller, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Kathleen Patricia HANNA, aged 23 years, spinster, Petty Officer, W.R.N.S., Whitehall Mansions, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of Robert Hanna, married 23rd May 1970 to Raymond Llewellyn David JONES, aged 27 years, bachelor, Sergeant, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of David Samuel Jones. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Beverley Colin Walter HAWKINS, known as James Colin Hawkins, aged 23 years, bachelor, the son of Warrant Officer Colin John Hawkins, R.A.F., married 21st May 1977 to Janet Elaine Teresa BRENNAN, aged 18 years, spinster, 38 Airmen's Quarters Luqa, the daughter of Warrant Officer Peter William Joseph Brennan, R.A.F.
Catherine Rose HAY, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Sergeant James Hay, R.A.F., married 15th September 1973 to Charles Arthur JACOBS, aged 25 years, bachelor, Corporal, R.A.F., the son of Albert Charles Jacobs. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Rosalind Joan HILL, aged 19 years, spinster, Senior Aircraftswoman, Women's Royal Air Force, the daughter of Norman Bernard Hill, married 14th February 1969 to Brian WALLINGTON, aged 23 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Percival John Wallington. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Linda Susan HOWLETT, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Trevor William Howlett, married 24th October 1970 to Michael Burdock MILLER, aged 21 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Horace Burdock Miller. The marriage was performed by the Reverend David Gordon Davies
Charles Arthur JACOBS, aged 25 years, bachelor, Corporal, R.A.F., the son of Albert Charles Jacobs, married 15th September 1973 to Catherine Rose HAY, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Sergeant James Hay, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Sharon JACOBS, aged 20 years, spinster, from Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, the daughter of John Jacobs, married 14th August 1971 to Roger Albert BROWN, aged 24 years, bachelor, Flying Officer, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Denis Alfred Brown. The marriage was performed by the Reverend John Ellerbeck Daimond, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Raymond Llewellyn David JONES, aged 27 years, bachelor, Sergeant, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of David Samuel Jones, married 23rd May 1970 to Kathleen Patricia HANNA, aged 23 years, spinster, Petty Officer, W.R.N.S., Whitehall Mansions, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of Robert Hanna. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Keith Ian Robin KEATING, aged 19 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Thomas Henry Keating, married 3rd December 1977 to Kim STAGG, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer Alan Stanley Stagg, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend A.C.E. Knight, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Richard William KING, aged 23 years, bachelor, Flying Officer, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Warrant Officer Joseph William King, married 11th July 1970 to Sheelagh Christine MANGHAM, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Captain Oswald Mangham. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Philippa Susan KNIGHT, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer Henry James Knight, R.A.F., married 22nd June 1974 to Kevin Louis WALSH, aged 20 years, bachelor, Leading Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Peter Walsh. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force
Helen Edith LANGMAN, aged 20 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., Whitehall Mansions, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of Graham Westlake Langman, married 14th February 1970 to Richard Jeffrey CRAMP, aged 22 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Squadron Leader James Cramp, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Roy Frederick LOMAS, bachelor, Leading Aircraftsman, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Frederick Arthur Lomas, married 5th May 1969 to Margaret Cassandra CRAIG, from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the daughter of Thomas Alexander Craig. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Alan Francis LYON, aged 29 years, bachelor, Royal Air Force Officer, the son of Sidney Hill, married 24th April 1965 to Barbara MELLOR, aged 31 years, spinster, the daughter of Albert Mellor, Royal Air Force Officer. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Thomas Arthur Charles Packenham
Louis Paul McCARTHY, aged 27 years, bachelor, Corporal, R.A.F. Siggiewi, the son of Luigi Linassi, married 17th August 1968 to Annette Shearer MAIN, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of Chief Technician Robert Bugden Main, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Jacqueline Debra McGLONE, aged 17 years, spinster, 41 Airmen's Married Quarters Luqa, the daughter of Warrant Officer Albert Douglas McGlone, R.A.F., married 21st June 1975 to Anthony Gerald SOLOMON, aged 20 years, bachelor, Junior Technician, Royal Air Force, 79 Airmen's Married Quarters Luqa, the son of Theodore Alfred Solomon
Annette Shearer MAIN, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of Chief Technician Robert Bugden Main, R.A.F., married 17th August 1968 to Louis Paul McCARTHY, aged 27 years, bachelor, Corporal, R.A.F. Siggiewi, the son of Luigi Linassi. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Virginia June MAKIN, aged 24 years, spinster, R.A.F. Luqa, the daughter of Arthur Richard Makin, R.A.F., married 12th September 1964 to Michael Barry NORRIS, aged 24 years, bachelor, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Frederick Norris. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Joseph Raymond Ash, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Sheelagh Christine MANGHAM, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Captain Oswald Mangham, married 11th July 1970 to Richard William KING, aged 23 years, bachelor, Flying Officer, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Warrant Officer Joseph William King. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Joan MARSH, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Henry Cuthbert Marsh, married 24th May 1969 to Dennis Edward ALLEN, aged 22 years, bachelor, Junior Technician, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Edward Allen. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Roger Martin MATTHEWS, aged 22 years, bachelor, Flying Officer, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Geoffrey Robert Alfred Matthews, married 8th May 1970 to Christina Lilian STEWART, aged 25 years, spinster, the daughter of Murray Alexander Stewart. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Barbara MELLOR, aged 31 years, spinster, the daughter of Albert Mellor, Royal Air Force Officer, married 24th April 1965 to Alan Francis LYON, aged 29 years, bachelor, Royal Air Force Officer, the son of Sidney Hill. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Thomas Arthur Charles Packenham
Jennifer Peggy MILLER, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of Chief Technician Norman Herbert Miller, R.A.F., married 28th April 1973 to Richard PARKIN, aged 23 years, bachelor, Sergeant, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Thomas Henry Parkin. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Michael Burdock MILLER, aged 21 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Horace Burdock Miller, married 24th October 1970 to Linda Susan HOWLETT, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Trevor William Howlett. The marriage was performed by the Reverend David Gordon Davies
Patricia Anne MILLER, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Sergeant Anthony Reginald Miller, R.A.F., married 20th April 1974 to David George SERRELL, aged 19 years, bachelor, Leading Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of George Charles Henry Serrell. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Richard William MORTEN, aged 21 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Ralph Alec Lewis Morten, married 18th August 1976 to Serena Marie BAKER, formerly TODD, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Corporal Andrew Todd, R.A.F.
Deborah Ann NEWMAN, aged 18 years, spinster, 9 Airmen's Married Quarters Luqa, the daughter of Chief Technician John Brian Newman, R.A.F., married 25th September 1976 to Michael SMITH, aged 20 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Herbert Reginald Smith
Michael Barry NORRIS, aged 24 years, bachelor, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Frederick Norris, married 12th September 1964 to Virginia June MAKIN, aged 24 years, spinster, R.A.F. Luqa, the daughter of Arthur Richard Makin, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Joseph Raymond Ash, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Shirley Denise ORGAN, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Flight Sergeant Percival George Organ, R.A.F., married 25th September 1971 to Lyn RODGERS, aged 18 years, bachelor, the son of Acroyd Alan Rees Rodgers. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Hartley Roger Watson, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Maureen Daphne PARKE, spinster, from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the daughter of William Parke, married 9th September 1969 to Roger Martin GREEN, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Raymond Green. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Richard PARKIN, aged 23 years, bachelor, Sergeant, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Thomas Henry Parkin, married 28th April 1973 to Jennifer Peggy MILLER, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of Chief Technician Norman Herbert Miller, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Pauline PATTISON, aged 25 years, spinster, Nurse, the daughter of Frederick Kitching Pattison, married 23rd May 1964 to Colin WEEDON, aged 20 years, bachelor, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Madalena, the son of William Alfred Francis Weedon. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Joseph Raymond Ash, Royal Air Force Chaplain
David Alan PERCIVAL, aged 20 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, Airmen's Married Quarters Luqa, the son of Alan Percival, married 27th July 1974 to Elaine AYRES, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Staff-Sergeant Leslie John Ayres, Royal Army Service Corps. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Anthony Richardson READ, aged 24 years, bachelor, Royal Air Force Officer, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Alan Richardson Read, married 15th April 1963 to Barbara Joan WHALLEY, aged 31 years, spinster, the daughter of Frederick Edward Whalley
Lyn RODGERS, aged 18 years, bachelor, the son of Acroyd Alan Rees Rodgers, married 25th September 1971 to Shirley Denise ORGAN, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Flight Sergeant Percival George Organ, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Hartley Roger Watson, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Patricia Ann RYAN, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer John Alexander Ryan, R.A.F., married 27th October 1973 to David John WARD, aged 21 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, of R.A.F. Luqa, the son of John Ward. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Rodney Carl SAAR, aged 25 years, bachelor, Flight Lieutenant, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Carlo John Robert Saar, married 27th June 1964 to Carole Ann WILKINSON, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer James Stuart Wilkinson, R.A.F.
Brian Denis SAUNDERS, aged 19 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Leslie Gilbert Saunders, married 26th May 1973 to Susan Carol WHALLEY, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Sergeant Clifford Whalley, R.A.F. Police. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
David George SERRELL, aged 19 years, bachelor, Leading Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of George Charles Henry Serrell, married 20th April 1974 to Patricia Anne MILLER, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Sergeant Anthony Reginald Miller, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Robert Derek SINCLAIR, aged 24 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of John Sinclair, married 6th March 1965 to Pamela GRAHAM, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Archibald Graham. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Thomas Arthur Charles Packenham
Michael SMITH, aged 20 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Herbert Reginald Smith, married 25th September 1976 to Deborah Ann NEWMAN, aged 18 years, spinster, 9 Airmen's Married Quarters Luqa, the daughter of Chief Technician John Brian Newman, R.A.F.
Anthony Gerald SOLOMON, aged 20 years, bachelor, Junior Technician, Royal Air Force, 79 Airmen's Married Quarters Luqa, the son of Theodore Alfred Solomon, married 21st June 1975 to Jacqueline Debra McGLONE, aged 17 years, spinster, 41 Airmen's Married Quarters Luqa, the daughter of Warrant Officer Albert Douglas McGlone, R.A.F.
Kim STAGG, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer Alan Stanley Stagg, R.A.F., married 3rd December 1977 to Keith Ian Robin KEATING, aged 19 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Thomas Henry Keating. The marriage was performed by the Reverend A.C.E. Knight, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Christina Lilian STEWART, aged 25 years, spinster, the daughter of Murray Alexander Stewart, married 8th May 1970 to Roger Martin MATTHEWS, aged 22 years, bachelor, Flying Officer, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Geoffrey Robert Alfred Matthews. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Serena Marie BAKER, formerly TODD, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Corporal Andrew Todd, R.A.F., married 18th August 1976 to Richard William MORTEN, aged 21 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Ralph Alec Lewis Morten
Brian WALLINGTON, aged 23 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Percival John Wallington, married 14th February 1969 to Rosalind Joan HILL, aged 19 years, spinster, Senior Aircraftswoman, Women's Royal Air Force, the daughter of Norman Bernard Hill. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Jacqueline Susan WALLS, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Chief Technician Eric Walls, R.A.F., married 15th December 1973 to Ian Michael GOUGH, aged 22 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Wing Commander Vincent Aneurin Gough, R.A.F., The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Kevin Louis WALSH, aged 20 years, bachelor, Leading Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Peter Walsh, married 22nd June 1974 to Philippa Susan KNIGHT, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer Henry James Knight, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force
David John WARD, aged 21 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, of R.A.F. Luqa, the son of John Ward, married 27th October 1973 to Patricia Ann RYAN, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer John Alexander Ryan, R.A.F. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Colin WEEDON, aged 20 years, bachelor, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Madalena, the son of William Alfred Francis Weedon, married 23rd May 1964 to Pauline PATTISON, aged 25 years, spinster, Nurse, the daughter of Frederick Kitching Pattison. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Joseph Raymond Ash, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Barbara Joan WHALLEY, aged 31 years, spinster, the daughter of Frederick Edward Whalley, married 15th April 1963 to Anthony Richardson READ, aged 24 years, bachelor, Royal Air Force Officer, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Alan Richardson Read
Susan Carol WHALLEY, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Sergeant Clifford Whalley, R.A.F. Police, married 26th May 1973 to Brian Denis SAUNDERS, aged 19 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Leslie Gilbert Saunders. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Brian Humphrey Lucas, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Carole Ann WILKINSON, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer James Stuart Wilkinson R.A.F., married 27th June 1964 to Rodney Carl SAAR, aged 25 years, bachelor, Flight Lieutenant, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Carlo John Robert Saar
Marjorie Iris WILLOUGHBY, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of Stanley Willoughby, married 28th October 1967 to Robert Blackwood WILSON, aged 25 years, bachelor, Corporal, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Robert Wilson. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Robert Blackwood WILSON, aged 25 years, bachelor, Corporal, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Robert Wilson, married 28th October 1967 to Marjorie Iris WILLOUGHBY, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of Stanley Willoughby. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Peter Owen Winfield Levingston, Royal Air Force Chaplain
Christ Church Garrison Church
In 1915 during World War I when Malta was an important hospital base for the British and Commonwealth troops in the Mediterranean area, the Church Army built what was then called St. Andrew’s Church Room, situated halfway between St. Andrew’s and St. George’s Barracks.
The large concentration of troops in the Pembroke area meant that at one time there were sixteen Church of England chaplains working there, assisted by five Church Army chaplains, but no church, even though one had been considered back in March 1907. The clergy included were the Reverend Frederick John King, the Reverend Matthew Tobias and the Reverend Charles Symes Leslie Alford.
The Church Room was handed over to the War Department in 1921 and used for voluntary services by the men based at these barracks, but it only accommodated about sixty people, and was therefore far too small for Parade Services which were held in the St. Andrew’s gymnasium.
During WWI St. George's and St. Andrew's Barracks were used as hospitals, with temporary Chaplains, but with the return of peace, the Reverend Maurice Percy McCready took charge to be followed by the Reverend William Robert Fountaine Addison, who was succeeded by the Reverend Gordon Hinton Bateman as Chaplain in charge of Pembroke from 1925 to 1929.
During December 1932 the Command draughtsman, Mr. Pirie, drew up plans for an extension to the Church Room so that it could accommodate up to 700 worshippers. Money was raised from civilians and supplemented by generous contributions from soldiers of both battalions quartered in Pembroke barracks. By August 1933 building work had begun and it was completed three months later.
This extension to the church was thirty feet long, and comprised a choir, and a chancel with an apsidal sanctuary, with the roof height of about twenty feet. The floor was covered with black and white tiles. A low stone wall separated the sanctuary from the nave, with the choir raised one step. The sanctuary rose by three steps to the apse which added to the dignity of the East End.
With all the building work completed the service of dedication took place on Sunday 12th November 1933. It was performed by the Reverend C.E. Chadwick, MC, MA, the Assistant Chaplain-General, Western Mediterranean. The ceremony was attended by the Governor Sir David Campbell, the Officer Commanding the Troops, Malta, heads of Departments, the Commanding Officers of all the Regiments in Pembroke and representatives from the Cheshire Regiment, the Worcestershire Regiment and the Rifle Brigade. Since they had contributed generously towards the extension it was regretted that the main body of men from the Worcestershire Regiment had left for Shanghai before the work was finished.
The local newspaper on Thursday 16th November 1933 had a small note:
“A new garrison church was dedicated at Pembroke last Sunday 12th November by the Assistant Chaplain General, Western Mediterranean in the presence of the Governor and C-in-C, Colonel Niven C.R.A. and officers of the garrison.”
The involvement
of the Worcestershire Regiment was duly recorded on a brass plaque, noting that
the Altar and Sanctuary of the church were given by the 2nd Battalion,
Worcestershire Regiment, as a memorial to their tour of duty in Malta from 1931
to 1933.
In 1934 the Reverend Carter recorded:
“The picture which forms the altar piece is very beautiful and is the glory of the sanctuary. It was originally presented to the little Church room in 1916 as a thank-offering for blessing received. It was designed to fill a niche in the wall which had looked very bare. The artist was J.Cali who had considerable fame in Malta and Italy. He has painted many sacred pictures for Maltese churches and his work is held in such regard by the nation that a national memorial is being raised to him. He died only two years ago at a ripe old age. This picture is certainly one of his finest works. The donor was Mrs. J.R. Hemsley, who is still with us and who was able to be present at the dedication of the first part of the new church.”
By 1936 the whole enlargement plan was still incomplete, but later that year another £ 300 was received which enabled work to start on the construction of the nave and south aisle. Both were finished by March 1937, which meant it was no longer necessary to hold parade services in the Australia Hall.
The first parade service in the expanded Garrison Church was Palm Sunday 1937. The Governor Sir Charles Bonham Carter together Lady Bonham-Carter, Brigadier G.C. Stubbs DSO, the Assistant Chaplain-General the Reverend J.J.E. O’Malley OBE MA, Lieut-Colonel W.M. Ozanne MC commanding the 1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, Lieut-Colonel H.G. Moore-Gwyn DSO MC commanding the 2nd Battalion The Rifle Brigade, and a large number of officers and men stationed at Pembroke were present.
At one time after WWII there were four paintings by Giuseppe Cali depicting New Testament Saints with their memorial plaques in this church. All had previously been in the Barracca Garrison Church : 2nd Battalion Derbyshire Regiment: 1st and 2nd Battalions Sherwood Foresters (Derbyshire) Regiment: 3rd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment: and 1st Battalion the Border Regiment.
Close to the church was a tall obelisk remembering Officers, NCO’s and Men of the 64th (2nd Staffordshire) Regiment, who died in Malta from 1867 to 1871. This was later removed to its present location in the Pieta Military Cemetery.
After the withdrawal of the British Forces from Malta in 1979, the church building was taken over by a local sports club as its HQ.
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Marriages known to have taken place in Christ Church, Pembroke include:
Carol Ann ALLCOCK, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of George Alec Allcock, married 22nd March 1969 to Donald Norman EATON, aged 19 years, bachelor, Private, Army, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Norman Donald Eaton. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Nigel Ian Ferguson APPLETON, aged 20 years, bachelor, 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Marines, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Lieut-Colonel Ian Michael Appleton, married 20th July 1975 to Deborah Jayne LETCHFORD, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Squadron Leader Brian Campbell Letchford deceased, Royal Air Force. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
David William BANKS, aged 22 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, Royal Marines Police, St. George’s Barracks, the son of Joseph William Banks, married 18th December 1971 to Anita Yvonne ROSS, aged 31 years, spinster, the daughter of Chief Petty Officer George Charles Andrew Ross, Royal Navy retired. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Peter Jackson, Chaplain, Royal Navy
Joseph BARRETT, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of James Barrett, married 21st January 1967 to Linda Doris RICHARDS, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Leslie Richards. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Neville BARSTOW, aged 27 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of George Barstow, married 8th January 1967 to Margaret Campbell McNEILL, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of Edward Campbell McNeill. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Everline BELGRAVE, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of William Bowers, married 24th April 1963 to Clayton da Costa NEBLETT, aged 22 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, son of Danvers MacGraham Neblett. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Dewi Emlyn Price, Chaplain to the Forces
John BERGIN, aged 19 years, bachelor, Bandsman, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Francis Bergin, married 26th June 1966 to Valerie STIRK, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Charles Stirk. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Roy BOUGHLEY, aged 21 years, bachelor, Private, H.M. Forces, St. Patrick's Barracks the son of John Boughley, married 20th September 1969 to Marion Elsie HUGHES, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of John Hughes. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Muriel BOYD, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of Wilfred Kendal Boyd, married 27th January 1968 to Darryl THISTLETHWAITE, aged 20 years, bachelor, Private, H.M. Forces, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of John Thistlethwaite
Wendy Ann BROOKSON, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Harold James Leslie Brookson, married 5th April 1969 to Colin POULTER, aged 22 years, bachelor, Private, H.M. Forces, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Edward George Poulter. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Ellen Stella BROWN, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of George Patrick Brown, married 19th December 1974 to Roger Michael DUNN, aged 22 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, the son of Ernest Peter Dunn. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend C.R. Chad Coussmaker
Thomas Wood BURKE, aged 25 years, bachelor, Corporal, H.M. Forces, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Eric Gordon Mackay Burke, married 23rd August 1969 to Winifred Margaret HARDIE, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of William Hardie
Rita Ann BURTON, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Frederick Burton, married 21st August 1965 to Douglas Francis DOBBYN, aged 22 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of John Francis Dobbyn. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Michael Thomas BYE, aged 19 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Edward Thomas Bye, married 24th August 1974 to Lesley Sheila GINGELL, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Hubert William Noel Gingell. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend P.E.S. Rowe, Chaplain, Royal Navy
Thorfinn CAITHNESS, aged 23 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, H.M. Forces, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of William Caithness, married 12th April 1969 to Isabel Christina Gready JUST, aged 25 years, spinster, the daughter of Albert Edward Just. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Yvonne CLAYTON, spinster, the daughter of Ernest Reginald Clayton, R.N. retired, married 10th January 1970 to John Brian WILDE, bachelor, Captain, HM Forces, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Norman Wilde. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Richard John COLLINS, aged 18 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of John Edward Collins, married 5th August 1972 to Dawn Marilyn JENKINS, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Vivian Malcolm Jenkins. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Peter Jackson, Royal Navy Chaplain
Elizabeth Sally COOK, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Henry Havelock Cook, married 23rd December 1954 to Timothy Michael TAYLOR, aged 23 years, bachelor, Lieutenant, Royal Marines, St. Patrick's Barracks, the son of Rear Admiral Lionel Arthur Taylor, Royal Navy retired. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Joseph Arnold Plowright, Chaplain R.N.
Alice CROMPTON, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of William Crompton, married 1st August 1970 to Peter MacPHERSON, aged 22 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, H.M. Forces, St. Patrick's Barracks, the son of Gilbert MacPherson. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Heather DAVIDSON, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Denis Davidson, married 26th March 1966 to Harold Thomas LEE, aged 18 years, bachelor, Corporal, 1st Battalion, Loyal Regiment, the son of Bertram Harold Lee. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Paul Martin DAVIS, aged 21 years, bachelor, Drummer, St. Patrick's Barracks, the son of Merlin Davis, married 16th July 1966 to Jean Vivienne ISAAC, aged 19 years, spinster, Naval Nurse, Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, the daughter of William James Isaac. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Douglas Francis DOBBYN, aged 22 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of John Francis Dobbyn, married 21st August 1965 to Rita Ann BURTON, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Frederick Burton. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Melton John DODDING, aged 20 years, bachelor, Private, Soldier, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of William Dodding, married 22nd July 1967 to Karen WHITTER, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Samuel Thomas Whitter. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Lesley DONALDSON, aged 16 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer James Donaldson, Royal Air Force, married 12th December 1964 to Raymond Ian JEREMY, aged 20 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of Charles Edwin Jeremy. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Robert W. Pope
Roger Michael DUNN, aged 22 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, the son of Ernest Peter Dunn, married 19th December 1974 to Ellen Stella BROWN, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of George Patrick Brown. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend C.R. Chad Coussmaker
Edwin Alfred DURRANT, aged 18 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Lieutenant Edwin Albert George Durrant, Royal Navy, married 29th November 1971 to Lynda Winifred MADGE, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Donald Henry Gordon Madge. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Peter Jackson, Chaplain, Royal Navy
David DYSON, aged 21 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Granville Dyson, married 29th March 1969 to Kathleen MOCK, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer Michael William Mock. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Donald Norman EATON, aged 19 years, bachelor, Private, Army, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Norman Donald Eaton, married 22nd March 1969 to Carol Ann ALLCOCK, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of George Alec Allcock. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Edmund William ELDON, aged 24 years, bachelor, Corporal, British Army, the son of Alfred Ernest Eldon, married 10th October 1970 to Margaret GALLIVER, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of John Ernest Galliver
Helen ELLIS, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Kenneth Ellis, married 14th August 1965 to Leslie Paul GEDDIE, aged 20 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of William Armstrong Geddie. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Wendy FEARNLEY-HILL, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of Harold Fearnley-Hill, married 22nd March 1975 to Alan REID, aged 20 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Victor Reid. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend C.R. Chad Coussmaker
Patricia Rosemary FRAMPTON, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Robert George Frampton, married 24th April 1963 to Ronald Terence TANNER, aged 21 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of Sidney Ronald Tanner. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Dewi Emlyn Price, Chaplain to the Forces
Margaret GALLIVER, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of John Ernest Galliver, married 10th October 1970 to Edmund William ELDON, aged 24 years, bachelor, Corporal, British Army, the son of Alfred Ernest Eldon
Robert Michael GARRETT, aged 21 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, the son of William Garrett, married 29th May 1976 to Alexandra ROWLAND, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Chief Technician John William Rowland, Royal Air Force. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
Leslie Paul GEDDIE, aged 20 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of William Armstrong Geddie, married 14th August 1965 to Helen ELLIS, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Kenneth Ellis. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Eric GIBSON, aged 22 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of John Gibson, married 8th July 1967 to Margaret Patricia PININGTON, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Sergeant Major David Pinington. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Lesley Sheila GINGELL, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Hubert William Noel Gingell, married 24th August 1974 to Michael Thomas BYE, aged 19 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Edward Thomas Bye. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend P.E.S. Rowe, Chaplain, Royal Navy
Mary Domenique GOFF, aged 18 years, spinster, married 28th July 1973 to David Arthur WILLIAMS, aged 19 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, the son of Bernard Lesley Williams. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
Patricia Margaret GRAHAM, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Chief Petty Officer Kenneth Graham, Royal Navy, married 8th May 1965 to David Thomas WIGGINS, aged 20 years, bachelor, Corporal, Army, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of Eric Francis Wiggins. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Robert W. Pope
James HAMER, aged 22 years, bachelor, Private, 1st Battalion, Loyal Regiment, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Frederick Hamer, married 7th May 1966 to Ann MADDISON, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of William Maddison. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Winifred Margaret HARDIE, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of William Hardie, married 23rd August 1969 to Thomas Wood BURKE, aged 25 years, bachelor, Corporal, H.M. Forces, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Eric Gordon Mackay Burke
Charles Fraser HARGREAVES, aged 22 years, bachelor, the son of Reginald Howard James Hargreaves, married 25th July 1970 to Pamela Jean SHIPTON, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Captain Maurice Robert Shipton, Army. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Marion Elsie HUGHES, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of John Hughes, married 20th September 1969 to Roy BOUGHLEY, aged 21 years, bachelor, Private, H.M. Forces, St. Patrick's Barracks the son of John Boughley. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Maureen Bryden HUTCHESON, aged 20 years, spinster, Corporal, Women's Royal Army Corps, St. David's Barracks, the daughter of Robert Hutcheson, married 4th March 1967 to Henry RICHBELL, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of George Richbell. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Jean Vivienne ISAAC, aged 19 years, spinster, Naval Nurse, Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, the daughter of William James Isaac, married 16th July 1966 to Paul Martin DAVIS, aged 21 years, bachelor, Drummer, St. Patrick's Barracks, the son of Merlin Davis. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
David William JAMES, aged 24 years, bachelor, Lieutenant, H.M. Forces, St. Patrick's Barracks, the son of Charles Douglas James, married 4th January 1968 to Carol Angela VYNER, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Major Peter James Cayley Vyner
Dawn Marilyn JENKINS, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Vivian Malcolm Jenkins, married 5th August 1972 to Richard John COLLINS, aged 18 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of John Edward Collins. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Peter Jackson, Royal Navy Chaplain
Raymond Ian JEREMY, aged 20 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of Charles Edwin Jeremy, married 12th December 1964 to Lesley DONALDSON, aged 16 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer James Donaldson, Royal Air Force. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Robert W. Pope
David JOLLY, aged 23 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, Loyal Regiment, St. Andrews Barracks, the son of Harold Jolly, married 28th March 1966 to Brenda Lilian WEBSTER, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Kenneth Webster. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Isabel Christina Gready JUST, aged 25 years, spinster, the daughter of Albert Edward Just, married 12th April 1969 to Thorfinn CAITHNESS, aged 23 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, H.M. Forces, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of William Caithness. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Geoffrey James LAMB, aged 27 years, bachelor, Flight Lieutenant, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Walter Lamb, married 25th August 1973 to Christina Helen MALE, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Stanley John Male. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
Harold Thomas LEE, aged 18 years, bachelor, Corporal, 1st Battalion, Loyal Regiment, the son of Bertram Harold Lee, married 26th March 1966 to Heather DAVIDSON, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Denis Davidson. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Deborah Joyce LETCHFORD, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Squadron Leader Brian Campbell Letchford deceased, Royal Air Force, married 20th July 1975 to Nigel Ian Ferguson APPLETON, aged 20 years, bachelor, 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Marines, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Lieut-Colonel Ian Michael Appleton. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
Sheila Mary LITTLEJOHN, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of James Littlejohn, married 3rd August 1976 to Martin Desmond Warwick WORTH, aged 20 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, Pembroke Barracks, the son of Kenneth John Worth. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
Margaret Campbell McNEILL, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of Edward Campbell McNeill, married 8th January 1967 to Neville BARSTOW, aged 27 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of George Barstow. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Peter MacPHERSON, aged 22 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, H.M. Forces, St. Patrick's Barracks, the son of Gilbert MacPherson, married 1st August 1970 to Alice CROMPTON, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of William Crompton. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Ann MADDISON, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of William Maddison, married 7th May 1966 to James HAMER, aged 22 years, bachelor, Private, 1st Battalion, Loyal Regiment, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Frederick Hamer. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Lynda Winifred MADGE, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Donald Henry Gordon Madge, married 29th November 1971 to Edwin Alfred DURRANT, aged 18 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Lieutenant Edwin Albert George Durrant, Royal Navy. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Peter Jackson, Chaplain, Royal Navy
Christina Helen MALE, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Stanley John Male, married 25th August 1973 to Geoffrey James LAMB, aged 27 years, bachelor, Flight Lieutenant, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Walter Lamb. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
Christopher John MARKWELL, aged 24 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of John James Markwell, married 3rd December 1971 to Sally Elizabeth Helen ORR, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Peter Qua Orr. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Peter Jackson, Chaplain, Royal Navy
Gladys Elsie MATHER, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of George Mather, married 8th March 1969 to Barry John RAKE, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Army Pay Corps, St. Patrick's Barracks, the son of Benjamin Thomas Rake. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Kathleen MOCK, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer Michael William Mock, married 29th March 1969 to David DYSON, aged 21 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Granville Dyson. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Gwenyth Ruth MOORE, aged 27 years, spinster, Women's Royal Army Corps, 2 St. Francis Ravelin, Floriana, the daughter of William Charles Moore, married 28th June 1969 to Edward John WANDBY, aged 25 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Signals, Lintorn Barracks, Floriana, the son of Benjamin Wandby
Clayton da Costa NEBLETT, aged 22 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, son of Danvers MacGraham Neblett, married 24th April 1963 to Everline BELGRAVE, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of William Bowers. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Dewi Emlyn Price, Chaplain to the Forces
Sally Elizabeth Helen ORR, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Peter Qua Orr, married 3rd December 1971 to Christopher John MARKWELL, aged 24 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of John James Markwell. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Peter Jackson, Chaplain, Royal Navy
Lesley Carol PACE, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer Raymond Alfred Pace, married 10th April 1965 to William John REID, aged 21 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Matthew Reid. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Eric James Powe, Chaplain to the Forces
Margaret Patricia PININGTON, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Sergeant Major David Pinington, married 8th July 1967 to Eric GIBSON, aged 22 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of John Gibson. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Lynn POCKETT, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Albert William Pockett, married 18th March 1967 to Clifford PRICE, aged 22 years, bachelor, Signalman, the son of Jack Price. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Colin POULTER, aged 22 years, bachelor, Private, H.M. Forces, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Edward George Poulter, married 5th April 1969 to Wendy Ann BROOKSON, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Harold James Leslie Brookson. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Desmond Andrew POWER, aged 22 years, bachelor, L.M.A., Royal Marine Commando, the son of Daniel Joseph Power, married 3rd April 1976 to Susan Wendy RYLATT, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of John David Rylatt. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
Clifford PRICE, aged 22 years, bachelor, Signalman, the son of Jack Price, married 18th March 1967 to Lynn POCKETT, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Albert William Pockett. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Barry John RAKE, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Army Pay Corps, St. Patrick's Barracks, the son of Benjamin Thomas Rake, married 8th March 1969 to Gladys Elsie MATHER, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of George Mather. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Russell RAMSDEN, aged 21 years, bachelor, Bandsman, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Albert Ramsden, married 28th May 1966 to Linda Doreen RAMSDEN, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Arnold Irvin Ramsden. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Alan REID, aged 20 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Victor Reid, married 22nd March 1975 to Wendy FEARNLEY-HILL, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of Harold Fearnley-Hill. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend C.R. Chad Coussmaker
William John REID, aged 21 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Matthew Reid, married 10th April 1965 to Lesley Carol PACE, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer Raymond Alfred Pace. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Eric James Powe, Chaplain to the Forces
Linda Doris RICHARDS, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Leslie Richards, married 21st January 1967 to Joseph BARRETT, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, St.Andrews Barracks, the son of James Barrett. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Henry RICHBELL, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of George Richbell, married 4th March 1967 to Maureen Bryden HUTCHESON, aged 20 years, spinster, Corporal, Women's Royal Army Corps, St. David's Barracks, the daughter of Robert Hutcheson. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Hugh Nicol RITCHIE, aged 27 years, bachelor, Schoolmaster, the son of Graeme Ritchie, married 21st February 1975 to Christine Margaret SAVAGE, aged 26 years, spinster, Schoolmistress, the daughter of James Arthur Savage. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend C.R. Chad Coussmaker
Anita Yvonne ROSS, aged 31 years, spinster, the daughter of Chief Petty Officer George Charles Andrew Ross, Royal Navy retired, married 18th December 1971 to David William BANKS, aged 22 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, Royal Marines Police, St. George’s Barracks, the son of Joseph William Banks. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Peter Jackson, Chaplain, Royal Navy
Susan Wendy RYLATT, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of John David Rylatt, married 3rd April 1976 to Desmond Andrew POWER, aged 22 years, bachelor, L.M.A., Royal Marine Commando, the son of Daniel Joseph Power. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
Christine Margaret SAVAGE, aged 26 years, spinster, Schoolmistress, the daughter of James Arthur Savage, married 21st February 1975 to Hugh Nicol RITCHIE, aged 27 years, bachelor, Schoolmaster, the son of Graeme Ritchie. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend C.R. Chad Coussmaker
Pamela Jean SHIPTON, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Captain Maurice Robert Shipton, Army, married 25th July 1970 to Charles Fraser HARGREAVES, aged 22 years, bachelor, the son of Reginald Howard James Hargreaves. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
Mary Judith SILVESTER, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of John Charles Silvester, married 3rd November 1973 to Geoffrey STALLON, aged 21 years, bachelor, Gunner, Royal Artillery, the son of Geoffrey Stallon. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
Colin Clayton SMITH, aged 24 years, bachelor, the son of Eric Gordon Smith, married 5th August 1971 to Susan Mary WRIGHT, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of William Wright
Hermilyn May SMITH, aged 30 years, spinster, the daughter of Reuben Smith, married 20th April 1963 to Egbert Chesterfield TAYLOR, aged 24 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of Egbert Boyce. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Dewi Emlyn Price, Chaplain to the Forces
Steven Clive SMITH, aged 19 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Thomas Arnold Smith, married 30th September 1972 to Michele WYRES, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Maurice Wyres. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Gordon Hyslop
Geoffrey STALLON, aged 21 years, bachelor, Gunner, Royal Artillery, the son of Geoffrey Stallon, married 3rd November 1973 to Mary Judith SILVESTER, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of John Charles Silvester
Valerie STIRK, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Charles Stirk, married 26th June 1966 to John BERGIN, aged 19 years, bachelor, Bandsman, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of Francis Bergin. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Ronald Terence TANNER, aged 21 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of Sidney Ronald Tanner, married 24th April 1963 to Patricia Rosemary FRAMPTON, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Robert George Frampton. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Dewi Emlyn Price, Chaplain to the Forces
Egbert Chesterfield TAYLOR, aged 24 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of Egbert Boyce, married 20th April 1963 to Hermilyn May SMITH, aged 30 years, spinster, the daughter of Reuben Smith. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Dewi Emlyn Price, Chaplain to the Forces
Timothy Michael TAYLOR, aged 23 years, bachelor, Lieutenant, Royal Marines, St. Patrick's Barracks, the son of Rear Admiral Lionel Arthur Taylor, Royal Navy retired, married 23rd December 1954 to Elizabeth Sally COOK, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Henry Havelock Cook. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Joseph Arnold Plowright, Chaplain R.N.
Darryl THISTLETHWAITE, aged 20 years, bachelor, Private, H.M. Forces, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of John Thistlethwaite, married 27th January 1968 to Muriel BOYD, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of Wilfred Kendal Boyd
Carol Angela VYNER, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Major Peter James Cayley Vyner, married 4th January 1968 to David William JAMES, aged 24 years, bachelor, Lieutenant, H.M. Forces, St. Patrick's Barracks, the son of Charles Douglas James
Edward John WANDBY, aged 25 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Signals, Lintorn Barracks, Floriana, the son of Benjamin Wandby, married 28th June 1969 to Gwenyth Ruth MOORE, aged 27 years, spinster, Women's Royal Army Corps, 2 St. Francis Ravelin, Floriana, the daughter of William Charles Moore
Anthony Arundell WARD, aged 23 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of Arundell King, married 20th April 1963 to Wildah Maud WILLIAMS, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of Aubrey Vincent Williams. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Dewi Emlyn Price, Chaplain to the Forces
Brenda Lilian WEBSTER, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Kenneth Webster, married 28th March 1966 to David JOLLY, aged 23 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, Loyal Regiment, St. Andrews Barracks, the son of Harold Jolly. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
Karen WHITTER, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Samuel Thomas Whitter, married 22nd July 1967 to Melton John DODDING, aged 20 years, bachelor, Private, Soldier, St. Andrew's Barracks, the son of William Dodding. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Stuart Irwin McGee, Chaplain to the Forces
David Thomas WIGGINS, aged 20 years, bachelor, Corporal, Army, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of Eric Francis Wiggins, married 8th May 1965 to Patricia Margaret GRAHAM, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Chief Petty Officer Kenneth Graham, Royal Navy. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Robert W. Pope
John Brian WILDE, bachelor, Captain, HM Forces, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Norman Wilde, married 10th January 1970 to Yvonne CLAYTON, spinster, the daughter of Ernest Reginald Clayton, R.N. retired. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Paul Robert Carrington Abram, Chaplain to the Forces
David Arthur WILLIAMS, aged 19 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, the son of Bernard Lesley Williams, married 28th July 1973 to Mary Domenique GOFF, aged 18 years, spinster. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
Wildah Maud WILLIAMS, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of Aubrey Vincent Williams, married 20th April 1963 to Anthony Arundell WARD, aged 23 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick’s Barracks, the son of Arundell King. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Dewi Emlyn Price, Chaplain to the Forces
Martin Desmond Warwick WORTH, aged 20 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, Pembroke Barracks, the son of Kenneth John Worth, married 3rd August 1976 to Sheila Mary LITTLEJOHN, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of James Littlejohn. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Gidleigh Bruce Rowe, Chaplain Royal Navy
Susan Mary WRIGHT, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of William Wright, married 5th August 1971 to Colin Clayton SMITH, aged 24 years, bachelor, the son of Eric Gordon Smith
Michele WYRES, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Maurice Wyres, married 30th September 1972 to Steven Clive SMITH, aged 19 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Thomas Arnold Smith. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Gordon Hyslop
St. Nicholas Church
Hal Far was originally built as an airport in the 1920’s and was linked to the Naval Air Station at Calafrana. It was opened on 16th January 1923 by the Governor of Malta, Lord Plumer.
It officially became a Royal Air Force Station on 29th March 1929, and later that year, on 25th November, Owen Cathcart-Jones, a Fleet Air Arm pilot took off from Hal Far in a Fairey Flycatcher aircraft, and landed at night on the flight deck of HMS Courageous, which was moored in Grand Harbour. This was the first landing by a fighter aircraft on an aircraft carrier at night. In 1935 and 1936 the airfield was also used by the Fleet Air Arm.
Throughout the Second World War Hal Far remain an R.A.F. Station, but on 14th April 1946 the Hal Far base was handed over by the Royal Air Force to the Fleet Air Arm, and it was named HMS Falcon. Aircraft of the United States Navy commenced using Hal Far in 1953, and two squadrons were based there until 1959.
The base remained under the control of the Fleet Air Arm until 1st September 1965 when it was returned to the Royal Air Force.
The Hal Far Royal Air Force Station church of St. Nicholas was originally an aircraft hangar, but was converted for the purpose of divine worship. At the end of May 1967 Hal Far ceased to be an active Royal Air Force station, and was placed on a care and maintenance basis.
Fr. Dionysius Mintoff, a Franciscan and a relation of the former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff, conceived the idea of a Peace Laboratory. It was officially opened on Thursday 25th March 1971 in memory Pope John the 23rd (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli), who had died on 3rd June 1963. The ceremony was performed by Joseph Roncalli, one of his brothers.
The gardens contain a wide range of sculptures by local and international artists with 'PEACE' as their uniting theme, an open-air theatre, fountains, a replica of the Lourdes Grotto, whilst inside can be found statues of Mahatma Ghandi, Barbara Ward, and Martin Luther King.
Nowadays members from the Peace Laboratory are involved in the welfare of illegal immigrants from Africa who have to be rescued from small unseaworthy boats off the coast of Malta.
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Marriages performed in this church for British servicemen and women include:
John Malcolm BAINES, aged 21 years, bachelor, Sailor, Royal Naval Air Station, Hal Far, the son of Harry Baines, married 10th October 1964 to Claire BURGESS, aged 21 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., R.N.A.S. Hal Far, the daughter of William Reginald Burgess. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend H.G.W. MacDonald
Suzanne Julia Alice BAXBY, aged 26 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., R.N.A.S. Hal Far, the daughter of Arthur Leslie Baxby, married 5th June 1965 to Patrick John PALMER, aged 23 years, bachelor, Junior Technician, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Arthur Herbert Palmer. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend John Mason, Chaplain, R.N.
Brian Robert BOWLES, aged 27 years, bachelor, Naval Officer, HMS Falcon, the son of Robert George Bowles, married 28th January 1961 to Maureen TURNBULL, aged 28 years, spinster, the daughter of George Alfred Turnbull. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend John Scott, Chaplain, R.N.
Ernest Derek BROWN, aged 23 years, bachelor, Leading Airman, Royal Navy, 728 Squadron, Royal Air Force Hal Far, the son of Staff Sergeant Stanley Leon Brown, married 3rd September 1966 to Linda Joyce STOTT, aged 20 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., the daughter of James Stott. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend Joseph Raymond Ash, Chaplain, R.N.
Claire BURGESS, aged 21 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., R.N.A.S. Hal Far, the daughter of William Reginald Burgess, married 10th October 1964 to John Malcolm BAINES, aged 21 years, bachelor, Sailor, Royal Naval Air Station, Hal Far, the son of Harry Baines. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend H.G.W. MacDonald
Paul Galvin CLARK, aged 21 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, 235 Signal Squadron, married 18th March 1967 to Anne Wallace MacKIE, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer William Mackie, Royal Air Force
John Francis CRAWFORD, aged 24 years, bachelor, Naval Airman, R.N., Royal Naval Air Station, Hal Far, the son of Francis Crawford, married 27th March 1965 to Agnes DOUGAN, aged 21 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., R.N.A.S. Hal Far, the daughter of Robert Kay Dougan. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend John Mason, Chaplain, R.N.
Thomas Kenneth CROPPER, aged 29 years, bachelor, Lieut-Commander, Royal Navy, HMS Falcon, the son of Thomas Noel Cropper, married 7th October 1961 to Judy Ann HOPKINSON, aged 22 years, spinster, The Barn House, Nether Wallop, Hampshire, the daughter of Major General Gerald Charles Hopkinson, R.A. Corps. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend John Scott, Chaplain, R.N.
William Brian CULL, aged 22 years, bachelor, Police Officer, the son of Albert George Cull, married 23rd July 1966 to Margaret Gwladys HOWELL, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Humphrey Howell, Royal Air Force. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend Joseph Raymond Ash, Chaplain, R.N.
James Hugh DAVIS, aged 22 years, bachelor, Naval Air Mechanic, HMS Falcon, the son of Robert Davis, married 19th January 1963 to Judith Ena SPENSLEY, aged 26 years, spinster, Q.A.R.R.N.S., HMS Falcon, the daughter of William Spensley. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend George Knight, Chaplain, R.N.
Agnes DOUGAN, aged 21 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., R.N.A.S. Hal Far, the daughter of Robert Kay Dougan, married 27th March 1965 to John Francis CRAWFORD, aged 24 years, bachelor, Naval Airman, R.N., Royal Naval Air Station, Hal Far, the son of Francis Crawford. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend John Mason, Chaplain, R.N.
Rosamund Anne FORD, aged 24 years, spinster, State Registered Nurse, the daughter of Bertie William Charles Ford, Royal Air Force, married 18th March 1967 to Christopher Robert David WILLS, aged 20 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Hal Far, the son of Arthur Gordon Wills. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend Joseph Raymond Ash, Chaplain, R.N.
Reece Truman FREEMAN, aged 21 years, bachelor, Sailor, United States Navy, Royal Naval Air Station Hal Far, the son of Reece Truman Freeman, married 14th August 1965 to Morag Jayne McLEAN, aged 21 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., R.N.A.S. Hal Far, the daughter of John McLean
Charlotte Katherine Anne GROOM, aged 22 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., HMS Falcon, the daughter of Anthony Jerman Groom, married 6th July 1963 to William John HARRISON, aged 20 years, bachelor, REM, Royal Navy, HMS Falcon, the son of William James Harrison. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend George Knight, Chaplain, R.N.
William John HARRISON, aged 20 years, bachelor, REM, Royal Navy, HMS Falcon, the son of William James Harrison, married 6th July 1963 to Charlotte Katherine Anne GROOM, aged 22 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., HMS Falcon, the daughter of Anthony Jerman Groom. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend George Knight, Chaplain, R.N.
Judy Ann HOPKINSON, aged 22 years, spinster, The Barn House, Nether Wallop, Hampshire, the daughter of Major General Gerald Charles Hopkinson, R.A. Corps, married 7th October 1961 to Thomas Kenneth CROPPER, aged 29 years, bachelor, Lieut-Commander, Royal Navy, HMS Falcon, the son of Thomas Noel Cropper. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend John Scott, Chaplain, R.N.
Margaret Gwladys HOWELL, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of Humphrey Howell, Royal Air Force, married 23rd July 1966 to William Brian CULL, aged 22 years, bachelor, Police Officer, the son of Albert George Cull. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend Joseph Raymond Ash, Chaplain, R.N.
Anne Wallace MacKIE, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of Warrant Officer William Mackie, Royal Air Force, married 18th March 1967 to Paul Galvin CLARK, aged 21 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, 235 Signal Squadron
Morag Jayne McLEAN, aged 21 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., R.N.A.S. Hal Far, the daughter of John McLean, married 14th August 1965 to Reece Truman FREEMAN, aged 21 years, bachelor, Sailor, United States Navy, Royal Naval Air Station Hal Far, the son of Reece Truman Freeman
Patrick John PALMER, aged 23 years, bachelor, Junior Technician, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Luqa, the son of Arthur Herbert Palmer, married 5th June 1965 to Suzanne Julia Alice BAXBY, aged 26 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., R.N.A.S. Hal Far, the daughter of Arthur Leslie Baxby. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend John Mason, Chaplain, R.N.
Judith Ena SPENSLEY, aged 26 years, spinster, Q.A.R.R.N.S., HMS Falcon, the daughter of William Spensley, married 19th January 1963 to James Hugh DAVIS, aged 22 years, bachelor, Naval Air Mechanic, HMS Falcon, the son of Robert Davis. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend George Knight, Chaplain, R.N.
Linda Joyce STOTT, aged 20 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., the daughter of James Stott, married 3rd September 1966 to Ernest Derek BROWN, aged 23 years, bachelor, Leading Airman, Royal Navy, 728 Squadron, Royal Air Force Hal Far, the son of Staff Sergeant Stanley Leon Brown. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend Joseph Raymond Ash, Chaplain, R.N.
Maureen TURNBULL, aged 28 years, spinster, the daughter of George Alfred Turnbull, married 28th January 1961 to Brian Robert BOWLES, aged 27 years, bachelor, Naval Officer, HMS Falcon, the son of Robert George Bowles. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend John Scott, Chaplain, R.N.
Christopher Robert David WILLS, aged 20 years, bachelor, Senior Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force, R.A.F. Hal Far, the son of Arthur Gordon Wills, married 18th March 1967 to Rosamund Anne FORD, aged 24 years, spinster, State Registered Nurse, the daughter of Bertie William Charles Ford, Royal Air Force. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend Joseph Raymond Ash, Chaplain, R.N.
St. Oswald’s Church
Imtarfa Barracks, was home to one Infantry Battalion, except during the First World War, when like many other buildings in Malta, it was taken over as a hospital. Until 1921 a barrack room served as a permanent Chapel for the men stationed there. However, at the end of World War I a large Military Hospital was built within two hundred yards of the barracks.
With an increase in the number of military in the area it was necessary for a proper church to be built. The Reverend Francis Joseph Walker, Senior Chaplain to the Forces, had some funds available and these were added to by private subscriptions so that St. Oswald’s Garrison Church could be built. It was designed by the Royal Engineers to seat 130 worshippers.
The dedication service took place on 12th March 1921, performed by Bishop Taylor Smith, Chaplain-General to the Forces, in the presence of the Governor of Malta, Field Marshall Lord Plumer. Also in attendance was the Reverend F.J. Walker S.C.F., and the Reverend H.T. Malaher the Chaplain at Imtarfa. The pulpit and the screen were provided from funds supplied by the Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Since its opening the church was much improved through the activity of the Reverend D.W. Murray, who as a parting gift added marble steps to the chancel, the sanctuary and the altar. Money provided by the Governor Sir Walter Congreve VC, made it possible for a Chaplain’s Room to be added.
In 1936 the Reverend J. Melhuish arrived and took over as the Chaplain. The barracks which had been empty for a couple of years were brought into use again so creating a demand for two Parade Services, the second having to be held in the Cinema due to lack of space in the church. A Toc H group was also formed at this time. New altar linen for St. Oswald’s was provided by the members of the Guild of St. Helena at the Barracca Church.
The British Forces left Malta in March 1979, and Imtarfa expanded with new housing for Maltese families. St. Oswald's kept the same name but was re-opened for the local residents as a Roman Catholic Church.
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Marriages of British servicemen and women performed at St. Oswald’s Garrison Church, Imtarfa, include:
Eileen Alice ALLEN, aged 21 years, spinster, Private, Women's Royal Army Corps, 235 Signal Squadron, Imtarfa, the daughter of Charles Palmer Allen, married 9th March 1968 to John Graham TAYLOR, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Signals, 235 Signal Squadron, Imtarfa, the son of Frank Edward Taylor. The marriage was performed by the Reverend R.D. Cubbitt, Chaplain to the Forces
Henryk ANDRUSKIEWICZ, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, British Army, the son of Warrant Officer Ignacy Andruskiewicz deceased, married 26th December 1953 to Joan RILEY, aged 19 years, spinster, Private, Q.A.R.A.N.C., David Bruce Military Hospital, Imtarfa, the daughter of Wilfred Riley. The marriage was performed by the Reverend George Long, Chaplain to the Forces
Pamela Linda BARKER, aged 19 years, spinster, Private, Women's Royal Army Corps, Imtarfa, the daughter of George Barker, married 30th March 1968 to John Henry WALLACE, aged 19 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Army Pay Corps, Lintorn Barracks, Floriana, the son of William Charles Wallace
Maureen Yvonne BAYLY, aged 31 years, spinster, Senior Naval Nurse, Imtarfa, the daughter of Oscar Squires, married 17th August 1974 to John Charles PRICE, aged 26 years, bachelor, Sergeant, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Trevor Price. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Eric Francis Maley-Harris, Chaplain Royal Navy
Marian BERRY, aged 21 years, spinster, Lance Corporal, Women's Royal Army Corps, the daughter of Richard William Berry, married 30th September 1967 to Brian Jack Frederick LEAMAN, aged 20 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, Royal Signals, Imtarfa, the son of Jack Leaman. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Henry George Warren Macdonald, Chaplain Royal Navy
Beatrice Elsie BLAND, aged 24 years, spinster, Corporal, Q.A.R.A.N.C., Military Hospital Imtarfa, the daughter of John Henry Bland, married 2nd November 1957 to Royston Peter MANSFIELD, aged 21 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, Royal Marine Barracks, Imtarfa. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Edward Alan Cooke, Chaplain to the Forces
Wallace Brian BROWN, aged 27 years, bachelor, Soldier, the son of George Robert Brown, married 12th April 1958 to Evelyn Clare MARSH, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of Herbert William Marsh, Soldier. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Edward Alan Cooke, Chaplain to the Forces
David Thomas DEARING, aged 18 years, bachelor, REM, Royal Navy, R.N.W/T Zebbug, the son of Sydney Dearing, married 30th April 1966 to Allannah Christine MARGERISON, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of William Henry Margerison. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Henry George Warren Macdonald, Chaplain Royal Navy
Robert Charles FIELDING, aged 24 years, bachelor, Royal Navy, Royal Naval Hospital Imtarfa, the son of John Charles Fielding, married 3rd September 1977 to Doreen Ann PAYNE, aged 22 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., the daughter of Frederick Payne
Kathleen Violet GANT, aged 23 years, spinster, 235 Signal Squadron, the daughter of Stanley Gant, married 2nd January 1965 to Kenneth George GRACEY, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 235 Signal Squadron, the son of George Booth Gracey
Constance Rosalie Carol GARDNER, aged 31 years, spinster, Private, Q.A.R.A.N.C., David Bruce Military Hospital, Imtarfa, the daughter of William Gardner, married 26th December 1953 to George Stanley LEIGHTON, aged 25 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Marines, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of William Leighton. The marriage was performed by the Reverend George Long, Chaplain to the Forces
Kenneth George GRACEY, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 235 Signal Squadron, the son of George Booth Gracey, married 2nd January 1965 to Kathleen Violet GANT, aged 23 years, spinster, 235 Signal Squadron, the daughter of Stanley Gant
Annie Elizabeth Holmes HILL, spinster, aged 20 years, Private, Q.A.R.A.N.C, Imtarfa, the daughter of William Rowland Hill, married 9th May 1953 to Robert REID, bachelor, aged 20 years, Corporal, ACC 30 Coy, Royal Army Medical Corps, Imtarfa, the son of Robert William Euston Reid. The marriage was performed by the Reverend George Long, Chaplain to the Forces
Brian Jack Frederick LEAMAN, aged 20 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, Royal Signals, Imtarfa, the son of Jack Leaman, married 30th September 1967 to Marian BERRY, aged 21 years, spinster, Lance Corporal, Women's Royal Army Corps, the daughter of Richard William Berry. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Henry George Warren Macdonald, Chaplain Royal Navy
George Stanley LEIGHTON, aged 25 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Marines, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of William Leighton, married 26th December 1953 to Constance Rosalie Carol GARDNER, aged 31 years, spinster, Private, Q.A.R.A.N.C., David Bruce Military Hospital, Imtarfa, the daughter of William Gardner. The marriage was performed by the Reverend George Long, Chaplain to the Forces
Royston Peter MANSFIELD, aged 21 years, bachelor, Royal Marine, Royal Marine Barracks, Imtarfa, married 2nd November 1957 to Beatrice Elsie BLAND, aged 24 years, spinster, Corporal, Q.A.R.A.N.C., Military Hospital Imtarfa, the daughter of John Henry Bland. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Edward Alan Cooke, Chaplain to the Forces
Allannah Christine MARGERISON, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of William Henry Margerison, married 30th April 1966 to David Thomas DEARING, aged 18 years, bachelor, REM, Royal Navy, R.N.W/T Zebbug, the son of Sydney Dearing. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Henry George Warren Macdonald, Chaplain Royal Navy
Evelyn Clare MARSH, aged 20 years, spinster, the daughter of Herbert William Marsh, Soldier, married 12th April 1958 to Wallace Brian BROWN, aged 27 years, bachelor, Soldier, the son of George Robert Brown. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Edward Alan Cooke, Chaplain to the Forces
Doreen Ann PAYNE, aged 22 years, spinster, W.R.N.S., the daughter of Frederick Payne, married 3rd September 1977 to Robert Charles FIELDING, aged 24 years, bachelor, Royal Navy, Royal Naval Hospital Imtarfa, the son of John Charles Fielding
Robert Lovat PIRIE, aged 21 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, Pro.Coy, Royal Military Police, the son of Alexander Pirie, married 2nd May 1964 to Janet Rosemary TURNER, aged 22 years, spinster, 235 Signal Squadron, Imtarfa, the daughter of John Noel Turner. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Robert W. Pope
John Charles PRICE, aged 26 years, bachelor, Sergeant, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Trevor Price, married 17th August 1974 to Maureen Yvonne BAYLY, aged 31 years, spinster, Senior Naval Nurse, Imtarfa, the daughter of Oscar Squires. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Eric Francis Maley-Harris, Chaplain Royal Navy
Frederick PYE, aged 21 years, bachelor, Sick Berth Attendant, Royal Navy, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Fred Pye, married 3rd October 1953 to Irene SMITH, aged 29 years, spinster, Sergeant, Q.A.R.A.N.C., David Bruce Military Hospital, Imtarfa, the daughter of John Edward Smith. The marriage was performed by the Reverend George Long, Chaplain to the Forces
Robert REID, bachelor, aged 20 years, Corporal, ACC 30 Coy, Royal Army Medical Corps, Imtarfa, the son of Robert William Euston Reid, married 9th May 1953 to Annie Elizabeth Holmes HILL, spinster, aged 20 years, Private, Q.A.R.A.N.C, Imtarfa, the daughter of William Rowland Hill. The marriage was performed by the Reverend George Long, Chaplain to the Forces
Joan RILEY, aged 19 years, spinster, Private, Q.A.R.A.N.C., David Bruce Military Hospital, Imtarfa, the daughter of Wilfred Riley, married 26th December 1953 to Henryk ANDRUSKIEWICZ, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, British Army, the son of Warrant Officer Ignacy Andruskiewicz deceased. The marriage was performed by the Reverend George Long, Chaplain to the Forces
Irene SMITH, aged 29 years, spinster, Sergeant, Q.A.R.A.N.C., David Bruce Military Hospital, Imtarfa, the daughter of John Edward Smith, married 3rd October 1953 to Frederick PYE, aged 21 years, bachelor, Sick Berth Attendant, Royal Navy, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Fred Pye. The marriage was performed by the Reverend George Long, Chaplain to the Forces
John Graham TAYLOR, aged 21 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Signals, 235 Signal Squadron, Imtarfa, the son of Frank Edward Taylor, married 9th March 1968 to Eileen Alice ALLEN, aged 21 years, spinster, Private, Women's Royal Army Corps, 235 Signal Squadron, Imtarfa, the daughter of Charles Palmer Allen. The marriage was performed by the Reverend R.D. Cubbitt, Chaplain to the Forces
Janet Rosemary TURNER, aged 22 years, spinster, 235 Signal Squadron, Imtarfa, the daughter of John Noel Turner, married 2nd May 1964 to Robert Lovat PIRIE, aged 21 years, bachelor, Lance Corporal, Pro.Coy, Royal Military Police, the son of Alexander Pirie. The marriage was performed by the Reverend Robert W. Pope
John Henry WALLACE, aged 19 years, bachelor, Corporal, Royal Army Pay Corps, Lintorn Barracks, Floriana, the son of William Charles Wallace, married 30th March 1968 to Pamela Linda BARKER, aged 19 years, spinster, Private, Women's Royal Army Corps, Imtarfa, the daughter of George Barker
Anthony George WHITE, aged 19 years, bachelor, Corporal, Army, 235 Signal Squadron, the son of Dennis Maurice White, married 1st February 1965 to Jennifer WOOD, aged 19 years, spinster, Private, Army, 235 Signal Squadron, the daughter of Leslie Charles Wood
Jennifer WOOD, aged 19 years, spinster, Private, Army, 235 Signal Squadron, the daughter of Leslie Charles Wood, married 1st February 1965 to Anthony George WHITE, aged 19 years, bachelor, Corporal, Army, 235 Signal Squadron, the son of Dennis Maurice White
St. Luke’s Garrison Church
The use of the Schoolroom at Fort Tigne, the Royal Artillery barracks, was
insufficient to accommodate all the men and their families for Church of England
services, and although the Reverend Lewis Arthur Hughes, Chaplain to the Forces,
worked hard and made some improvements a proper Church was required.
In 1909 it was decided to proceed with a permanent Church in Tigne Barracks.
This decision coincided with the appointment of the Reverend Douglas Percy
Winnifrith M.A., as Chaplain to the Forces, to serve the men stationed in Fort
Tigne and Fort Manoel.
The building costs were met partly from public funds with the balance from
private subscriptions. The Church was designed by Lieut-Colonel Hemming, Royal
Engineers, and Mr. Collins, a Draughtsman in the Office of the Chief Royal
Engineer. It consisted of a chancel, two aisles, nave, vestry and organ chamber;
triple chancel arch with capitals of pillars, beautifully carved by Corporal
Sheppard R.E., a stone reredos of Corinthian order, with three panels; a stone
altar rail pierced with Maltese crosses, and chancel floor of red tiles with
white marble steps. Entrance doors were provided on the North, South and West
sides. The very attractive interior had space to seat 400 worshippers.
The Foundation Stone was laid by the Governor, Sir Leslie Rundle on 16th January
1910, and St. Luke’s Church was ready for dedication by the Bishop of Gibraltar,
the Right Reverend William Edward Collins on Advent Sunday, the 27th November
1910, in the presence of Governor Rundle and a full congregation.
The bell tower, west porch and roof decoration were completed after the official
dedication in 1910, and the first two Churchwardens were Lieut-Colonel C.S.
Meeres, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Garrison Artillery, Western
District, and Major A.G. Norris, Royal Garrison Artillery.
Though the congregation was made up mostly of military men and women, civilians
from the surrounding area also used St. Luke's as their place of worship,
especially the wealthy Hughes Hallett family who lived close by in the Palazzo
Sliema.
The Stone Memorial Pulpit, a gift from the NCO's and men of 65 Company, Royal
Artillery, in memory of their comrades who had died in Malta, was unveiled in
March 1911. Later the same year, at the beginning of September an organ arrived
from England, which had been made by the Positive Organ Company of London. It
was fitted together and installed in the church by Staff Sergeant Thomas of the
Royal Engineers
Further embellishment of the church was made by the provision of a Font by
Captain H.H.H. Jones, Royal Garrison Artillery, in memory of John Henry Locke
Jones who died 17th May 1912, and a large brass cross 24” high, was presented in
memory of Colonel H.T. Hughes-Hallett.
In 1913 the Reverend William Herbert Latimer Miller DSO, was in charge of St.
Luke’s, but during the 1914 – 1918 War several temporary chaplains also
officiated including the Reverend Leslie Owen, the Reverend Graham White,
Reverend A.T. Coldman, Reverend John James Evans O’Malley, Reverend Charles
Leslie Halifax Beardmore and the Reverend Gordon Hinton Bateman.
In 1929, the Assistant Chaplain General, Malta, the Reverend E.F. Campbell
recorded that:
“Tigne has been presented with a beautiful set of silver Communion vessels as a
memorial to the late Miss Hughes Hallett, who was a regular worshipper at the
Tigne Garrison Church and always took a deep interest in the garrison and all
things connected with it. A brass memorial Cross has also been erected in the
Church to her memory and will shortly be unveiled. It is of the same pattern as
those erected to her brothers, Admiral Hughes Hallett and Colonel Hughes
Hallett.
The inscription under the base of the Tigne chalice is: To the Glory of God, and
in memory of Mary Frances Hughes Hallett, this Chalice and Paten were presented
for use at St. Luke’s Garrison Church, Tigne, by a few of her friends in the
Army and Navy, September 1928”
A tragedy took place on Friday evening the 6th February 1931. A woman fell into
the sea at Qui-Si-Sana, Sliema. Amongst others 21 year old Gunner Sydney Ernest
Picton of the Royal Artillery jumped into the water in an effort to save her but
he was carried away by the waves and drowned. In his memory his comrades in the
Royal Artillery presented a 24” tall brass Cross to St. Luke's Church.
To mark the twenty-first anniversary of the Dedication of the Church, it was
decided to improve the interior by replacing the old untidy looking chairs with
pews. The money was provided by the congregation, and also for a stone porch to
be added on the weather side to break the force of the ‘gregale’.
By 1936 the community at St. Luke’s was very active, the Sunday-School, Mothers
Union and other activities were well supported. Meanwhile a Toc H group formed
at Tigne assisted with valuable work by helping with distressed and deserving
causes.
In air raids during the Second World War the church was badly damaged and
rendered unusable, so the troops in the area attended the services at the Holy
Trinity Church, in Rudolph Street, Sliema.
However, very shortly after the end of WWII St. Luke’s had been repaired and at
the 11 a.m. service on the 9th September 1945, was re-opened by the Reverend
Frederick Llewelyn Hughes, Chaplain General to the Forces. The Governor of
Malta, Lieut-General Edmond Schreiber, read the Petition:
“Reverend Sir, we pray you to re-open this Church now restored
after partial destruction by the Enemy and to Dedicate our Font,
Pulpit, Lectern, Chancel and Altar these being newly built to the
Glory of God and His Praise.”
Two paintings by Giuseppe Cali were placed in the church, St. Matthew which had
been a gift from the Royal Artillery and St. Luke from the Queen's Own West Kent
Regiment both previously in the Barracca Chapel, Valletta.
After the withdrawal of the British forces from Tigne Barracks in the 1970's,
the chapel ceased to be used for worship and became a sports club HQ.
However, a large-scale development scheme for the whole of the Tigne peninsular
was drawn up and finally approved by the Maltese government in 2000, and is now
well advanced.
A number of buildings forming part of the original British Barracks will be
retained. These include St. Luke's Garrison Church, the School, the Regimental
Institute with its distinctive Clock Tower, the Sergeants' Mess, and two Barrack
Blocks to the South.
Since the area in future years would contain a sizeable population it was
decided that St. Luke's would re-open as a Roman Catholic church for the new
inhabitants. In the meantime it is being used by the property development
company as a sales office for the new apartment buildings being constructed on
the site.
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Geoffrey Arthur BACON, aged 21 years, bachelor, Airframe Mechanic, Royal Air
Force Luqa, the son of Harry Gordon Bacon, married 12th August 1967 to Sandra
Ann MERCER, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of Albert King Mercer, HM
Forces
Moira Elizabeth D'EYE, aged 21 years, spinster, Teacher, the daughter of John
Edward D'Eye, NAAFI Supervisor, married 19th June 1971 to Michael Thomas HAINES,
aged 21 years, bachelor, the son of Steven Weston
Geoffrey Dennis GRANT, aged 21 years, bachelor, Soldier, St. Patrick's Barracks,
the son of Leonard Grant, married 25th April 1970 to Jean HILL, aged 19 years,
spinster, the daughter of Laurie Hill
Michael Thomas HAINES, aged 21 years, bachelor, the son of Steven Weston,
married 19th June 1971 to Moira Elizabeth D'EYE, aged 21 years, spinster,
Teacher, the daughter of John Edward D'Eye, NAAFI Supervisor
Jean HILL, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Laurie Hill, married 25th
April 1970 to Geoffrey Dennis GRANT, aged 21 years, bachelor, Soldier, St.
Patrick's Barracks, the son of Leonard Grant
Brian Charles Gilbert HUTCHINGS, aged 26 years, bachelor, Lieutenant, Royal
Navy, the son of Sir Robert Howell Hutchings, married 13th September 1952 to
Patricia Ann TABULTEAN, aged 25 years, spinster, the daughter of Colonel Thomas
Bousfield Herrick Tabultean. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend Godfrey
Stuart Worsley, Chaplain to the Forces
Anneliesse LEEMAN, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Sergeant Edward
Leeman, H.M. Forces, married 2nd November 1967 to Frederick John MEAD, aged 22
years, bachelor, Sergeant, H.M. Forces, the son of Frederick Mead
Richard James LUMMISS, aged 29 years, bachelor, Medical Officer, Royal Air
Force, the son of Aubrey Lummiss, married 5th June 1954 to Constance May
MARSHALL, aged 26 years, spinster, State Registered Nurse, Milne House, Tigne
Barracks, the daughter of Raymond Basil Marshall. The marriage was conducted by
the Reverend H.L.O. Rees, Chaplain, Royal Air Force
Constance May MARSHALL, aged 26 years, spinster, State Registered Nurse, Milne
House, Tigne Barracks, the daughter of Raymond Basil Marshall, married 5th June
1954 to Richard James LUMMISS, aged 29 years, bachelor, Medical Officer, Royal
Air Force, the son of Aubrey Lummiss. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend
H.L.O. Rees, Chaplain, Royal Air Force
Frederick John MEAD, aged 22 years, bachelor, Sergeant, H.M. Forces, the son of
Frederick Mead, married 2nd November 1967 to Anneliesse LEEMAN, aged 21 years,
spinster, the daughter of Sergeant Edward Leeman, H.M. Forces
Sandra Ann MERCER, aged 23 years, spinster, the daughter of Albert King Mercer,
HM Forces, married 12th August 1967 to Geoffrey Arthur BACON, aged 21 years,
bachelor, Airframe Mechanic, Royal Air Force Luqa, the son of Harry Gordon Bacon
John MILLS, aged 35 years, bachelor, Major, Flagstaff House, Tigne, the son of
William Edwin Scott Mills, married 2nd October 1971 to Lynn Jo-Ann ROBSON, aged
19 years, spinster, the daughter of Graham Stuart Robson
Lynn Jo-Ann ROBSON, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Graham Stuart
Robson, married 2nd October 1971 to John MILLS, aged 35 years, bachelor, Major,
Flagstaff House, Tigne, the son of William Edwin Scott Mills
Kenneth Page STEDMAN, aged 27 years, bachelor, Flying Officer, Royal Australian
Air Force, R.A.A.F. Ta Qali, the son of Page Stedman, married 14th May 1954 to
June Floreen Swainston STRANGWAYS, aged 23 years, spinster, Cryptographer, the
daughter of Lieutenant Colonel James Dennis Robert Rolls de la Hep Swainston
Strangways, Royal Engineers
June Floreen Swainston STRANGWAYS, aged 23 years, spinster, Cryptographer, the
daughter of Lieutenant Colonel James Dennis Robert Rolls de la Hep Swainston
Strangways, Royal Engineers, married 14th May 1954 to Kenneth Page STEDMAN, aged
27 years, bachelor, Flying Officer, Royal Australian Air Force, R.A.A.F. Ta
Qali, the son of Page Stedman
Patricia Ann TABULTEAN, aged 25 years, spinster, the daughter of Colonel Thomas
Bousfield Herrick Tabultean, married 13th September 1952 to Brian Charles
Gilbert HUTCHINGS, aged 26 years, bachelor, Lieutenant, Royal Navy, the son of
Sir Robert Howell Hutchings. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend Godfrey
Stuart Worsley, Chaplain to the Forces
Royal Navy Chapels
There were numerous civilian officials as well as naval personnel attached to the Royal Naval Dockyard, on the opposite side of the Grand Harbour to Valletta, in the area known at ‘The Three Cities’: Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa. An ex-sail loft on the quayside in Cospicua was set aside and converted into a Chapel. Originally thought to be temporary, it was first used on 12th September 1819.
It was enlarged in 1824, a gallery later being built, and much improved by Admiral Sir Edward Inglefield during his term as Superintendent of the Dockyard, which ended in 1876.
In 1843 when the architect William Scamp was engaged in building St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Valletta, and the Naval Bakery in Vittoriosa he indicated on his plans which he submitted for approval, a new Chapel in the Naval Dockyard. He suggested three possible locations, but nothing came of his proposals.
Instead of being 'temporary', the Dockyard Chapel continued to be used until June 1940. Italy joined the Second World War as an ally of Germany on 10th June, and air raids on Malta commenced the next morning. The dockyard area was of course a prime target and the quayside buildings housing the Chapel were badly damaged and unusable.
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After the Second World War a new Chapel was opened at St. Michael's Bastion abreast of No.3 Dock at Senglea. On Thursday 24th June 1948, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, a service of dedication of this new Chapel was held. It was named St. John the Baptist and St. Michael the Archangel.
This Chapel was closed when the Royal Naval dockyard was closed down, and the facilities handed over to a private company C.H. Bailey.
Marriages that took place in the Dockyard Church of St. John the Baptist and St. Michael the Archangel include:
Harry Frank GALE, widower, aged 50 years, of 12/2 Our Lady of Sorrows Street, Senglea, the son of William George Gale, married 9th February 1957 to Helena Jane THORNTON, widow, aged 48 years, the daughter of Alfred George Reading
Geoffrey Ernest HAMMOND, bachelor, aged 26 years, Lieutenant, Royal Navy, HMS Armada, the son of Edgar Hammond, married 17th February 1950 to Ruth Geraldine MADDOX, spinster, aged 24 years, the daughter of Walter Kendrick Maddox
Geoffrey HIBBERT, bachelor, aged 28 years, Lieutenant, Royal Navy, HMS St. Angelo, the son of Frank Hibbert, married 21st July 1956 to Laura GERRARD, spinster, aged 22 years, of 6 Dockyard Terrace, Senglea, the daughter of Elijah Gerrard
Arthur Gordon Voulea HUBBACK, widower, aged 47 years, Royal Navy, HM Dockyard, the son of Arthur Bennison Hubback, married 5th November 1949 to Sheila Mary ROBERTON, spinster, aged 43 years, W.R.N.S., Whitehall Mansions, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of Charles George Roberton
Richard Henry PASSMORE, bachelor, aged 24 years, Lieutenant, Royal Marines, St. Andrew’s Barracks, the son of Henry Phillip Passmore, married 15th August 1953 to Margaret Rosemary MOY, spinster, aged 20 years, the daughter of Ernest Ralph Cave Moy
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When the British forces were reducing their presence on Malta, they were vacating certain sites in order that the smaller garrison could occupy fewer bases. For the Royal Navy it was proposed that shore activities should be concentrated on HMS St. Angelo (Fort St. Angelo), and HMS Phoenicia (Manoel Island) would be closed.
A letter written on 21st February 1963, by the Commander in Chief Mediterranean Fleet, Admiral D.E. Holland-Martin, says:
“... I have given consideration to the need for an Anglican place of worship in the vicinity of HMS St. Angelo and of the ships that will be berthed in Dockyard Creek after the closure of the chapel in HMS Phoenicia.....
.... The naval churches being given up will provide not only a number of memorials, etc., which will require a permanent resting place but also adequate furnishings to equip the proposed chapel without further cost....
............ I proposed therefore that the provision of an Anglican Naval Chapel at an estimated cost of £ 2500 should be included in the major works proposal for the adaption of HMS St. Angelo.
I am prepared to allocate funds from my block grant for the adaption of an existing building in the Victualling Yard.”
This offer was accepted, and the Admiralty approved the provision of an Anglican Chapel as proposed by the Admiral. An ex-rum store at the end of Vittoriosa victualling wharf was therefore converted into a Naval Chapel, and named St. Michael and All Angels. It was de-consecrated in 1978 prior to the final withdrawal of the Royal Navy from Malta.
Afterwards it was used as a store for some time, but became derelict along with most of the buildings on the quayside at Vittoriosa. The old Naval Bakery was renovated and opened as the Maritime Museum, but the other buildings became dilapidated. A large-scale re-development of the whole area was proposed, named the Cottonera Development. When the decision to proceed was made by the Maltese Government, the first building to be demolished in July 2000 was this ex-Royal Naval Chapel.
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Marriages that took place in the Church of the Holy Cross, HMS Phoenicia, Manoel Island, were:
Christopher Ralph EDGE, aged 38 years, bachelor, Lieut-Commander, Royal Navy, HMS Phoenicia, the son of Ralph Thomas Edge, married 30th March 1963 to Barbara Rosemary FADE, aged 38 years, spinster, W.R.N.S. Officer, Whitehall Mansions, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of Thomas Richard Fade. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Reverend Herbert Wright Brierley
Derek Alfred SUTER, aged 23 years, bachelor, RO2, Royal Navy, HMS Sea Devil, the son of George Alfred Keith Suter, married 17th February 1962 to Christine JONES, aged 21 years, spinster, Leading Wren, Villa Boreen, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of George William Jones. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Reverend Herbert Wright Brierley
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Marriages that took place in St. Michael’s and All Angels Royal Navy Chapel HMS St. Angelo include:
Maurice William BENNETT, aged 19 years, bachelor, Radio Mechanic, Royal Navy, HMS St. Angelo, the son of William Brotherton Bennett, married 18th September 1971 to Elizabeth Agnes JOHNSTON, aged 19 years, spinster, the daughter of Leslie Johnston
Michael Howard BOWSKILL, aged 20 years, bachelor, Radio Mechanic, HMS St. Angelo, the son of Bertie Harold Bowskill, married 27th February 1971 to Rosemary Grace CLARKE, aged 22 years, spinster, Wren, Whitehall Mansions, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of Stanley Clarke
John Craig BROWNLEE, aged 22 years, bachelor, REM, HMS St. Angelo, the son of John Edward Brownlee, married 16th January 1971 to Susan Barbara SKILLINGS, aged 20 years, spinster, Wren, Whitehall Mansions, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of George Albert Skillings
Ian Christopher BRUCE, aged 30 years, bachelor, Army Officer, Officers Mess, St. George’s Barracks, the son of Kenneth Christopher Bruce, married 29th January 1969 to Wendy Mary Sheridan LE BLANC SMITH, aged 21 years, spinster, HMS St. Angelo, the daughter of John Stanley Le Blanc Smith, Naval Officer
Brian CHAPMAN, aged 22 years, bachelor, HMS Fife, the son of Samuel Chapman, married 21st November 1970 to Frances Margaret Ann IRVINE, aged 22 years, spinster, Nurse, the daughter of Laurence George Irvine
Brian COLE, aged 24 years, bachelor, Steward, Royal Navy, the son of James Harold Cole, Pilot, Royal Air Force, married 15th October 1966 to Barbara Ann HALL, aged 26 years, spinster, the daughter of Frederick George Hall
David ELLIS, aged 21 years, bachelor, Radio Operator, Royal Navy, HMS St. Angelo, the son of David Ellis, married 4th October 1967 to Elizabeth Stephanie CHARLTON, aged 20 years, spinster, Leading Wren, Whitehall Mansions, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of Alan Bengall Charlton
John FENN, aged 23 years, bachelor, 1REM, HMS St. Angelo, the son of Jack Fenn, married 1st August 1970 to Charmian Jennifer DONALDSON, aged 20 years, spinster, Leading Wren, Whitehall Mansions, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of William Donaldson
Francis Llewellyn FISHER, widower, the son of Francis Templer Fisher, married 25th October 1972 to Dorothy Foxhall MUCKLE, nee PICKERING, widow, the daughter of James White Pickering
Harvey GRIMSHAW, aged 22 years, bachelor, Able Seaman, Royal Navy, HMS Leverton, the son of Henry Grimshaw, married 10th August 1968 to Sylvia Katherine Elizabeth POWELL, aged 19 years, spinster, Nurse, the daughter of William Charles Bernard Powell, Royal Navy retired
Eric Francis Manley HARRIS, aged 38 years, bachelor, Chaplain, Royal Navy, HMS St. Angelo, the son of Percy Cyril Francis Harris, married 16th December 1972 to Merilyn FLETCHER, aged 26 years, spinster, the daughter of Douglas Fletcher
Stanley Richard Lee Dumbrell HOWIE, aged 24 years, bachelor, the son of Geoffrey Crumpton Wright, married 18th July 1972 to Sally Anne ARBUTHNOT, aged 18 years, spinster, the daughter of John Keith Arbuthnot
Ronald JACKMAN, aged 22 years, bachelor, Supply Assistant, Royal Navy, HMS St. Angelo, the son of Walter Jackman, married 26th November 1966 to Ann EMMERSON, aged 17 years, spinster, the daughter of Edward Emmerson
Keith KERR, aged 22 years, bachelor, Able Seaman, Royal Navy, HMS Leverton, the son of William Isaac Kerr, married 5th March 1966 to Gloria Jean BYWATER, aged 21 years, spinster, the daughter of Frederick Archibald Bywater
Henry Peter LANSDOWN, aged 32 years, bachelor, Lieut-Commander, Royal Navy, the son of Henry Rowland Lansdown, married 24th April 1976 to Sandra Carol BUTLER, aged 32 years, spinster, the daughter of Alan Richard Butler. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend C.R.C. Coussmaker
Stewart Alexander MacLEAN, aged 25 years, bachelor, Petty Officer, Royal Navy, HMS St. Angelo, the son of William Alexander John MacLean, married 9th October 1971 to Susan Margaret CROKER, aged 22 years, spinster, the daughter of Henry James Croker
Terence James RICHARDSON, aged 21 years, bachelor, Radio Operator, Royal Navy, HMS Ashton, the son of James Ronald Richardson, married 10th February 1968 to Jacqueline ROUTLEDGE, aged 20 years, spinster, Women's Royal Air Force, the daughter of Edward Routledge
John Leslie VEAR, aged 23 years, bachelor, Radio Operator, Royal Navy, HMS St. Angelo, the son of Basil Vear, married 8th November 1967 to Brenda Susan HANDLEY, aged 21 years, spinster, Leading Wren, Whitehall Mansions, Ta Xbiex, the daughter of Lieut-Commander Alfred Kenneth Handley, Royal Navy
Michael John WEBB, aged 23 years, bachelor, Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Navy, HMS Stebbington, the son of Percival Edward Webb, married 26th March 1966 to Susan Alexandra Hely HOUGHTON, aged 26 years, spinster, the daughter of George Frederick Houghton, Army Officer retired
Timothy John WHITTLE, aged 26 years, bachelor, Flight Lieutenant, Royal Air Force, the son of Kenneth Herbert Whittle, married 26th May 1973 to Maureen Mary KEARNS, aged 30 years, spinster, the daughter of William Ambrose Kearns. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Eric Francis Manley-Harris, Chaplain R.N.
Peter Stanley WILLIAMS, aged 22 years, bachelor, Radio Operator, Royal Navy, HMS St.Angelo, the son of Stanley Kitchener Williams, married 10th October 1970 to Elaine Margaret FOREMAN, aged 23 years, the daughter of Leonard William Foreman. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Kenneth P. Evans, Chaplain Royal Navy