Just as the sun set on the magnificent Grand Harbour on Monday, August 15, aboard the chartered Fernandez, the Royal Navy Officers’ Association, Malta GC, members and guests took part in a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the convoy of Santa Marija.

The chancellor of St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, the Reverend Canon Simon Godfrey, started the ceremony with a few words for the assembly to gather their thoughts as to the meaning of the proceedings. He was followed by the president of the RNOA, Geoff Fosberry, who spoke of SS Ohio and the accompanying ships of Operation Pedestal, which saved the islands of Malta from starvation and capitulation.

It was most fitting that a number of senior officers from the British and American warships in the harbour were also on board, forging the link between those dark days and now at a time of remembrance.

The last post was shortly followed by Reveille. The wreaths were laid in total silence just by the old Bighi Hospital and gently floated as the Fernandez circled twice round them.

My wife and I felt most privileged to attend as guests. We found the ceremony most moving as one could very easily take one’s self back to those times when Malta was on the brink of surrender.