A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
The names of persons on this Index have been gathered at random from a variety of sources. Further names will be added and from time to time updated versions will be posted.
The date for the final withdrawal of British Forces from Malta was set for the 31st March 1979. Rear Admiral Oswald Cecil, the last Commander of British Forces was given the responsibility for making all the preparations. The guided missile destroyer HMS London dropped anchor in Grand Harbour on the 12th March, and the Admiral transferred his flag from Fort St. Angelo (HMS St.Angelo), to the destroyer. Over the next two weeks he oversaw a series of farewell events, culminating with a ceremony at the Freedom Monument in Vittoriosa just prior to midnight on the 31st. A young sailor from HMS London lowered the Union Jack, and a Maltese dockyard worker raised the Maltese flag.
The weather took a turn for the worse, but nevertheless the quaysides and the bastions of Valletta were crowded next morning when the HMS London sailed out of Grand Harbour. The ship’s company lined the decks, the Royal Marines band played on the quarterdeck, and Admiral Cecil took his place on the bridge saluting the waving crowds. So after 180 years the Royal Navy said ‘Goodbye’ to Malta
Fort St. Angelo
