War vehicles on display

Veterans of the Sta Marija convoy who came to Malta for the 60th anniversary commemoration of the event could recall memories as soon as they stepped out of their hotel yesterday.

For the Military Vehicles Club held a display outside the Les Lapins Hotel at Ta' Xbiex of some 30 trucks, cars and motorcycles of second world war vintage.

Most were in the characteristic sand colour camouflage of the Maltese theatre of operations, while others were camouflaged in green and black, as on continental Europe.

Vehicles on display included an Austin utility vehicle, a range of Bedford trucks, Austin trucks, a Dodge truck with trailer used as a weapons trailer, an ambulance, and Matchless, BSA and Harley Davidson motorcycles, some with sidecar.

Also on display was a wartime Bofors anti-aircraft gun and a German vehicle.

All the vehicles are privately owned and have been lovingly restored by the club's members, some of them from Gozo.