In research for my book about Luqa airfield, I found various accounts mentioning ‘Ariel House’. This villa (for villa it was) was built by the RAF to accommodate its highest officials; the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), usually knights of the order of Bath themselves, and their families from the late 1940s.

It was situated up the hill at the prestigious area known as Kappara and consisted of five acres of grounds. The first occupant was Air Vice-Marshal N.B. D’Aeth C.B., C.B.E. (AOC Malta between 8/11/1949 to 7/9/1952) who upon retiring from the RAF entered the priesthood and was ordained Deacon in December 1957.

Visiting RAF dignitaries such as the Marshal of the RAF Sir Dermont A Boyle K.C.B, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., A.F.C. stayed there as guest to AOC Chilton in January 1959. In February 1960, a Roman tomb was found during works with two skeletons which was researched by the then director of the Archaeological Department Prof. David Trump. During Mintoff’s tenure, in 1981, it was leased to the Soviet Embassy.

Perhaps one of your eminent readers can further illuminate me on this house or perhaps possess a plan/photo that can be shared with me. I will appreciate any info regarding this and maybe other houses occupied by the RAF before their withdrawal from Malta in 1979, such as Marlborough House in Ta’ Xbiex or their enlistment house in South Street, Valletta. I can be contacted on my e-mail 203sqn@onvol.net.

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