KOMR reunion dinner celebrates 40th anniversary

It has been exactly 40 years since the Queen presented new regimental colours to the first battalion, the King's Own Malta Regiment. On that occasion, for the first time, a Maltese infantry battalion received a 'Queen's' colour, which was based on Malta's national flag rather than the Union Jack.

These colours now hang in the sacristy of St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, where they had been deposited following the battalion's disbandment in 1972.

Judging from the reunion turnout, one would be forgiven for thinking that the King's Own Malta Regiment was still alive and well. Over 180 former officers and men, together with their spouses and a few special guests gathered in the appropriately called 'Fortress' Suite at the Corinthia San Ġorġ, located on the site of a former British Army Officer's Mess.

As the old comrades gathered for a pre-dinner drink, meeting friends and colleagues they might not have seen for 40 years, the corps of drums of the Armed Forces of Malta entertained the gathering to a magnificent display of military drumming, which stirred the hearts of all within earshot.

Patrick Micallef, the association's president and Mrs Micallef at the top table hosted official guests. The individual tables were graced with a regimental place card, and a 20-page commemorative menu booklet, containing photographs of the original presentation, and colour illustrations of the colours presented in 1967, the Parade State, and other details of regimental interest, including a copy of the speech made by the Queen on that occasion. The commander of the parade on that day, Lt Col E.G.A. Baron von Brockdorff, and his lady Baroness von Brockdorff were present, as were the two ensigns N. C. Calamatta and C. A. Strickland together with their partners, and also a considerable number of members of the regiment on parade and present on that day, 40 years ago.

The Regimental Association's committee and sub-committee did a good job, with an interesting menu with several choices of dishes and fine wines. There was no lack of conversation, reminiscing, laughter and enjoyment.

After dinner the KOMR president made a short speech followed by toasts to the health of the Queen, the President and finally to the memory of the regiment.

These toasts were drunk from port glasses, as special mementos prepared for this occasion bearing the Maltese cross, and title of the regiment in silver.

The evening came to a climax with a surprise showing of a film of the actual parade, which brought tears to the eyes of many of those present.