The Maltese cross is not Maltese (1)

I was flabbergasted reading Carmel Meilak's letter (June 5) suggesting the removal from our national flag of the George Cross, a singular award to the brave people of Malta, and replacing it instead by an emblem of a despotic Order that ruled over Malta for nearly 250 years.

Although the Order's emblem s commonly referred to as the Maltese Cross, it is not ours t all; adding it to our national lag would equate to replacing he George Cross by the Union Jack.

I also strongly object to Mr Meilak belittling the award of the George Cross by describing it as "one particular heroic event achieved by Malta in its chequered history". Shame on him! The award bears witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history.

I am glad that above the letter The Times showed our national flag proudly displaying the George Cross. That is how it should remain for evermore.