Memorial to sailors unveiled on convoy anniversary

A memorial to sailors, particularly those who sailed on Operation Pedestal, the Sta Marija convoy to Malta at the height of the Second World War, was unveiled this evening in Grand Harbour, close to Liesse Church.

The memorial - a large ancient anchor - was unveiled by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi on the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the first three of the five cargo ships which survived the onslaught of attacks as they sailed from Gibraltar to Malta. Also present was the UK's First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Sir Mark Stanhope.

The Rochester Castle, Port Chalmers and Melbourne Star limped into Grand Harbour on August 13, 1942. Brisbane Star arrived on August 14 and  the all important tanker Ohio - barely afloat - was towed in on August 15, 1942, feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, causing the convoy to be known locally as the Sta Marija Convoy.

14 merchant ships had left from Gibraltar, escorted by a huge flotilla which included four aircraft carriers, one of which was sunk and another was damaged.

The arrival of the supplies saved Malta, which had been facing capitulation as food, ammunition and fuel ran critically low.

Seven sailors who sailed on ships in the convoy were present for today's ceremony.

Dr Gonzi said the memorial had two purposes - a tribute to all those who sailed in the convoy or defended the island, and a reminder for today's young of the sacrifices made by those who came before them in the cause of freedom.

The anchor was donated by Cassar Ship Repair Yard, having been used on a ship in 1877 before the advent of steam engines.

This evening's ceremony included a narration of the 1942 events, the sounding the Last Post and Reveille and wreath laying.

The tanker Ohio is ushered into Grand Harbour, kept afloat by destroyers on either side.