'Malta Command' Living History Group

Just after the start of World War II, on September 21, 1939, the 11th Regiment, Royal Malta Artillery (RMA) was formed as a territorial anti-aircraft regiment composed of two heavy and one light batteries.

The 20 and 21were heavy batteries, while the 22 was a light battery, armed with ten L40/60 Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft (AA) guns.

On March 18, 1941, the first and only RMA Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment was formed. The 3rd Light AA Regiment, RMA took under its wing the 22 Battery, as well as 30 Battery (formerly known as the Dockyard Defence Battery.) The other AA element making up the regiment was the newly formed 10 Battery.

Lt Col. E.J. Salomone was the first Commanding Officer, retaining the appointment for the duration of the war.

The 3rd Light AA Regiment, RMA was disbanded at the end of the war, only to be reformed in September 1951 as a territorial regiment, along with the 11th Heavy AA Regiment. When the British Army switched to guided missiles for defence against high-altitude aircraft, 11th Heavy AA was converted into a Light AA Regiment.

On June 14, 1966, both regiments ware amalgamated to form the 3rd/11th Light Air Defence Regiment, RMA, as part of the post-Independence Malta Land Force. A few years later, on March 31, 1972, it was again disbanded.

The 'Malta Command Living History Group' has up to now re-enacted a Bofors gun crew from these units, but an infantry unit is to be set up soon to commemorate and re-enact the King's Own Malta Regiment.

Much research goes into the procurement of period weapons and individual kit or uniform equipment from various local and overseas suppliers. This serves to ensure that every member of the re-enactment group is kitted out exactly as the wartime servicemen were.

It has also proved to be quite expensive for each member to buy a rifle, bayonet, boots, helmet, and a whole range of summer and winter uniforms. It takes dedication to attend the various training sessions at the Malta Aviation Museum in Ta' Qali, with the kind permission of its director-general.

Anyone interested in joining this period re-enactment group may contact the officer in-charge on tel. 9948-6223 or e-mail colmic@onvol.net.