Legendary squadron to return
The Royal Air Force's 1119F Squadron will be returning to Malta today after an absence of 65 years. The squadron was based here during World War II, when its legendry Faith, Hope and Charity Gloster Gladiator aircraft formed the island's only air defence in the first days of the conflict.
Four Tornado F3 aircraft will take part in a flypast over the War Memorial, Floriana, during Remembrance Day commemorations.
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Charles Stafrace
Nov 8th 2008, 00:53
For the sake of correctness, No.111(F) Sqn waslast in Malta in squadron strength in 1978 flying Phantom FGR.2s. Their presence in Malta in 1943 of 111 Sqn was so temporary that after a few days of arriving (10 to 15 June 1943) it left for Sicily to continue to subdue the Nazi resistence there.
It cannot therefore be said the the unit was ever based in Malta. It was a great pleasure, however, to see the unit's Tornados over at Luqa, considering that it is probably the last time we would be doing so owing to the phase out of the fighter version of the Tornado.
Geoff White
Nov 7th 2008, 17:43
Our friend, Ron Gilman, was stationed in Malta during WW2 flying Blenheims on shipping raids to prevent German supplies getting through. He wrote a book about his adventures called "The Ship Hunters". I was pleased to have been able to give a copy of the book to the War Museum in Malta.
Bradly Reece
Nov 7th 2008, 16:07
Welcome Back guys.
John Gili-Ross
Nov 7th 2008, 12:35
You may wish to know that one of the RAF pilots of the Tornado aircraft of 111 squadron that will be part of the flypast on Sunday has ancestral links to Malta. The pilot is Flight Lieutenant Luke Gili-Ross.
His grandfather Norbert Gili-Ross, a Maltese national served, amongst other things, as a ground crew member helping to keep the aircraft flying during the defence of Malta. From Norbert's medals it appears that he provided ground crew duties for Squadron Leader Laddie Lucas (DFC) Officer Commanding 249 Fighter Squadron in 1942. In recognition of services rendered as ground crew, Norbert Gili-Ross was presented with a copy of the DFC that was awarded to Laddie Lucas. Two copies of the medal were made and paid for by Laddie Lucas, the other copy being given to a Corporal J Morgan.
Norbert would be very proud to have known that more than 60 years later, his grandson would form part of the RAF team that will help commemorate the huge sacrifice made by the Maltese people in defence of the island.