Their names will live on forever

Way back in the October 1972 issue of the then Malta Land Force Journal, a certain J. Attard of Valletta (former member of 10LAA Bty RMA) recalled the destruction of gun position XLA31 of 3LAA Regt RMA and the death of six members of the gun detachment by enemy action on the Birżebbuġa foreshore some 30 years before. In his view, some suitable monument should be erected to commemorate this tragic event.

Years later, a copy of this letter was apparently sent to the Birżebbuġa local council for their attention and possible implementation.

I was very pleased to learn that, last September, the local council did take action as shown in the attached photo of the slab erected on the site. It appears, however, that very little publicity, if any at all, was given to this event which, for a start, could have included a public appeal and an invitation to any relatives to attend, which, no doubt, would have been greatly appreciated. The AFM buglers were not asked to participate to play the appropriate notes, neither were the regimental associations contacted for their help and support. A short memorial would also have been appropriate. The slab in question could have included a replica of the regimental cap badge or crest and the name of the unit involved, as is usually done in such cases. This information adds to the historical significance.

The council is definitely to be praised for commemorating this tragic event and perhaps at some suitable future time the foregoing points will be seen to and implemented during some rededication/remembrance ceremony.