The gun map of WWII

I refer to the letter Where Were The Guns During World War II (February 14), written by Walter Debattista, a former sergeant of 3 LAA Regiment RMA (T) now appointed as president of 3/11 Regiment RMA (T).

During World War II, 3 LAA Regiment defended not only the southern part of Malta, as stated in the letter, but also the airfields situated in other parts such as Ta’ Qali and Luqa airfields, Ħal Far airfield as also the armed cruiser HMS Breckonshire loaded with cargo for beleaguered Malta, which at the time was anchored at Marsaxlokk in the south, etc.

Mr Debattista is in error in writing that my late friend Captain George Pace Balzan is the author of the gun positions map, adding also that the alleged author of the map had set himself working and undergoing research to produce the Bofors gun positions map of Malta in World War II for the defence of the island.

Captain Balzan had earned his commission in 1944 and therefore he was not in a position as junior second lieutenant to obtain such detailed information as shown in the said map which includes all the Bofors regiments including British units deployed over the island. As a matter of fact, the map was produced by Gunner John Johnston, Royal Artillery, and I happened to obtain a copy well after the war ended.

I was approached by Capt. Balzan enquiring if I happened to know the Bofors gun positions of 3 LAA Regiment RMA and I let him borrow my gun map signed by GNR Johnston RA.

I insisted with Capt. Balzan and later with some members of the 3/11 Regt RMA (T) Association that should they publish it they were to credit me.

To my disappointment this did not happen although I protested with Mr Debattista.