The ashes of Allan Shaw are to be scattered in Malta, more than 70 years since he arrived here as a crewman on the tanker Ohio in the famous Santa Marija convoy of 1942.

Mr Shaw, the last of the tanker's crew, passed away on Friday, aged 91. 

His son Pete said that the funeral service will be held in Blyth, England, on October 13, and his ashes, along with those of his wife, will be brought to Malta. A date for the scattering has not yet been set.

For Pete, his father was not only a father but a best friend and a humble, brave and courageous man till the end.

“He had a mischievous sense of humour and a great love of life and always referred to Malta as 'The Warm Place'. It always held a special place in his heart.

Mr Shaw was one of more than 100 veterans who came to Malta to celebrate 60 years since the arrival of the convoy.

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