I was surprised to read in The Sunday Times of Malta (January 26) that the onset of World War 1 will not be officially commemorated in Malta.

Surely there is a great scope for commemoration? I understand that between 600 and 800 Maltese soldiers lost their lives during that war. I have been trying to obtain more information about this but to date I have not found out the exact number, how they were involved and if they had formed part of one particular regiment.

I hope the History Department at the University will be able to enlighten me.

Like all other Commonwealth nations, Malta had played its part. Apart from being referred to as the ‘Nurse of the Mediterranean’, Malta also contributed in manpower. I therefore hope the government will commemorate this tragic event. All I have in mind is a requiem Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral and the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial.

Having said this, if for some strange ‘political’ reason, the government will not be joining the other nations involved in that war, the Maltese Curia should take the initiative and hold a remembrance Mass, not only for the Maltese soldiers who lost their lives in this war but also for the millions of other soldiers who died.