Photos: Matthew MirabelliEighty British soldiers assembled at the Floriana War Memorial yesterday to pay tribute to those who died defending Malta during World War II.
The soldiers, who were in Malta for a brief team-building camp, have just completed an extensive peacekeeping tour in the Helmand province of Afghanistan.
The Mercian Battalion, formerly known as the Cheshire Battalion, stood in silence asa priest conducted a short remembrance service for the 19 Cheshire officers who died defending the Grand Harbour in WWII.
The officers laid commemorative wreaths at the base of the memorial with British High Commissioner Rob Luke and Armed Forces of Malta officers.
The 1st Cheshire Battalion had served at the Royal Dockyard in the Grand Harbour between April 1941 and March 1943.
It was perhaps the most remarkable experience of my life and I have carried it with me for all these years
It was later awarded an eight-pointed cross as a token of friendship for the part it had played throughout the war.
Described as a scene of relentless struggle by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the siege of Malta took the lives of hundreds of Maltese civilians and British soldiers posted on the island.
At the memorial, the soldiers were joined by 82-year-old war veteran Alan Kennedy, who formed part of the Cheshire Regiment during WWII.
“I served in Malaya and Borneo as part of this regiment.
“It was perhaps the most remarkable experience of my life and I have carried it with me for all these years,” said Mr Kennedy, who is now enjoying his retirement in Malta.
After a free day on the island today, the battalion will fly to the UK to meet their families and loved ones before resuming their duties.