I refer to the feature ‘Remembering the Royal Malta Artillery’s forgotten thousands’ by Major Maurice Agius (The Sunday Times April 7 and 14). In the second part, Major Agius suggested that a monument featuring RMA gunners in action is erected to honour all the regiment’s servicemen.

May I venture to suggest that a memorial of sorts is erected to commemorate the gunners who formed the Dockyard Defence Battery (DDB).

This Battery was formed by volunteers, who were also employees of the Admiralty Dockyard, in September 1939. Its main purpose was to defend the Dockyard against air attacks. Originally, it formed part of the Royal Artillery, until it was absorbed in the Royal Malta Artillery.

The DDB’s finest hour came on January 16, 1941, when the Luftwaffe was let loose on Malta in order to try and sink the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious. It was during this action that three members of the DDB were decorated for bravery. Another member was also decorated later on during the war.

The DDB was disbanded on April 28, 1941 when members were given the option of joining as regular soldiers with the RMA.

A memorial as suggested would be in order, as very few people know of this episode of the Second World War in Malta.