30 Coy RAMC was based on Mtarfa Ridge, about eight miles away from Valletta. The officers and men whiled their tour in Malta indulging in all forms of sports. These included: six-a-side football, hockey, cricket, sailing, boxing, annual cross country runs, water polo, swimming, tennis, golf, shooting on the miniature range, and horse racing at the Marsa Sports Ground.
In addition, a part of the grounds of Mtarfa Hospital was converted into a vegetable garden where the RSM raised chickens and grew fresh vegetables. The families were taken out on picnics and outings to Comino and other beaches. The Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess organized an annual smoking concert where officers of the RAMC presented recitals and plays.
The unit was a happy, close knit community which found itself in splendid isolation. The rest of the infantry were at St Andrew's and St George's Barracks, Pembroke. 30 Coy RAMC participated in inter-regimental sports. It was invited to the annual swimming and water polo competitions organized by their naval colleagues at the Royal Naval Hospital Bighi.
During the year, officers held Staff Tours, prepared for their promotional examinations and the annual unit inspection by DMS Malta Command. The men complained that nothing much ever happened at Mtarfa. Great efforts had to be made to vary life as much as possible during their three or four years posting in such an isolated spot.
Temporary Commissions
The regulations for a temporary commission in the RAMC stipulated that the applicant had to be a duly qualified medical practitioner registered under the Medical Acts in force in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
On appointment the approved candidate was granted the rank of Lieutenant. After three and a half years' temporary service he was recommended for promotion to the rank of Captain. Permanent commissions were offered to temporary officers on or before the completion of twelve months' temporary service. Those who did not accept a permanent commission were not eligible to receive one at a later date.
An officer appointed to a temporary commission was eligible for a permanent commission if he was under 28 years of age. Officers were allowed to deduct years served on a temporary commission to reach the eligible age. If not selected for a permanent commission, he was granted a bonus of £100 for each full year of satisfactory service. He also received a refund, up to £40, for any reasonable expenditure on articles of uniform which he had had to specifically purchase on commissioning in accordance with instructions laid down by the War Office.
If granted a permanent commission the officer received the difference between £50 and and the sum already issued to him as an outfit allowance. An officer appointed to a permanent commission while serving as a temporary officer was not eligible to receive the bonus of £100 for each completed year of service, but his temporary service counted towards an increment in pay, promotion and retirement.
Matron Families Hospital
On 8 Oct 1930, Matron Miss Wray QAIMNS of the Married Families Military Hospital returned to England on 3 months leave.
St Luke's Hospital
On 5 Apr 1930, the Governor, General Sir John Du Cane laid the foundation stone of St Luke's Hospital at Guardamangia.
Drew R: Commissioned Officers in the Medical Services of the British Army Vol II. Roll of Officers in the Royal Army Medical Corps 1898–1960. London The Wellcome Historical Medical Library 1968.
The monthly Army List for Oct 1930, corrected to 29 September 1930.
General returns of the regimental strength of the British Army for 1st January 1930.
General returns of the regimental strength of the British Army for 1st April 1930.
General returns of the regimental strength of the British Army for 1st July 1930.
General returns of the regimental strength of the British Army for 1st October 1930.
Temporary commissions RAMC, Br Med J (1930), (Published 25 January 1930).
The News and Gazette of the RAMC, the ADC and the QAIMNS (1930). No 1: Vol IV; July 1930.
