The photo was taken some time in September 1959. I had recently flown out to Malta to join my late husband, John, who was serving in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Solprise.

We were walking along the road near what I remember as Floriana parade grounds when all the little boys who were playing in the fountain came running over to us chattering away in Maltese and English.

They laughed at me because I could not speak Maltese except for “ciao”.

I lived in Malta for almost three years and have happy memories of my time there. I made lots of friends and keep in contact with my first Maltese friend, Minnie Schiriha of Mosta.

I do not know the names of the little boys who by now might be grumpy old men. Maybe one of The Times readers will recognise them and, if so, please pass on the message that the lady “inglesa” who climbed into the fountain with them sends greetings for Christmas.

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